A Right to Neonatal Assessment
The Issue
We are calling for the introduction of a dedicated pathway of care for babies born alive at the very edge of viability.
When a baby is born showing signs of life, we believe there should be an opportunity for an urgent assessment by a specialist neonatal team. This would allow for an individualised medical assessment, rather than decisions being made based solely on estimated gestational age.
We are not asking for guaranteed treatment. We are asking for a compassionate and consistent pathway that ensures each baby is seen as an individual.
Our experience showed us how a difference of only a few days can have a profound impact on the care pathway offered to a baby and their family.
Gestational age is an important factor in neonatal care, but it is an estimate rather than an exact measurement. At the very edge of viability where every day matters we believe this estimate should be recognised and considered alongside the individual circumstances of each baby.
This petition is not asking that every baby receives treatment. It is asking that every baby born at the edge of viability is given the opportunity for a specialist assessment, so decisions can be made by considering the individual baby, their condition at birth, clinical factors and the wishes of their family.
During our pregnancy, our estimated dates changed by a few days. Based on our original dates, Thea would have been even closer to where a different pathway of care may have been considered.
We understand that every baby’s situation is unique and that outcomes cannot be predicted. However, our experience showed us how significant even a few days can be when decisions are being made at the very edge of viability and why we believe every baby in this situation deserves the opportunity for an individual specialist assessment.
We hope to work alongside charities, healthcare professionals, researchers, NHS leaders and policymakers to explore how this pathway could become part of future maternity and neonatal care across the UK.
Alongside our campaign for change, we have also been working to support families facing loss. In memory of Thea, we have raised nearly £4,000 to provide a specialist privacy pram and support other bereavement services, helping to create a more compassionate experience for families spending precious time with their babies. We hope to continue making a difference for other families, while ensuring Thea’s life creates lasting change.
For Thea. Always. ❤️
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The Issue
We are calling for the introduction of a dedicated pathway of care for babies born alive at the very edge of viability.
When a baby is born showing signs of life, we believe there should be an opportunity for an urgent assessment by a specialist neonatal team. This would allow for an individualised medical assessment, rather than decisions being made based solely on estimated gestational age.
We are not asking for guaranteed treatment. We are asking for a compassionate and consistent pathway that ensures each baby is seen as an individual.
Our experience showed us how a difference of only a few days can have a profound impact on the care pathway offered to a baby and their family.
Gestational age is an important factor in neonatal care, but it is an estimate rather than an exact measurement. At the very edge of viability where every day matters we believe this estimate should be recognised and considered alongside the individual circumstances of each baby.
This petition is not asking that every baby receives treatment. It is asking that every baby born at the edge of viability is given the opportunity for a specialist assessment, so decisions can be made by considering the individual baby, their condition at birth, clinical factors and the wishes of their family.
During our pregnancy, our estimated dates changed by a few days. Based on our original dates, Thea would have been even closer to where a different pathway of care may have been considered.
We understand that every baby’s situation is unique and that outcomes cannot be predicted. However, our experience showed us how significant even a few days can be when decisions are being made at the very edge of viability and why we believe every baby in this situation deserves the opportunity for an individual specialist assessment.
We hope to work alongside charities, healthcare professionals, researchers, NHS leaders and policymakers to explore how this pathway could become part of future maternity and neonatal care across the UK.
Alongside our campaign for change, we have also been working to support families facing loss. In memory of Thea, we have raised nearly £4,000 to provide a specialist privacy pram and support other bereavement services, helping to create a more compassionate experience for families spending precious time with their babies. We hope to continue making a difference for other families, while ensuring Thea’s life creates lasting change.
For Thea. Always. ❤️
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Petition created on 2 August 2026