Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a set of neurological conditions that affect movement and coordination. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control muscle and motor activity, usually before, during or shortly after birth. It is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. Babies with cerebral palsy have trouble rolling over, sitting, crawling and walking. The disease can also cause muscle stiffness, uncontrolled movements, problems with posture, balance, and coordination.

Cerebral palsy is linked to other conditions like mental retardation, breathing problems, skeletal deformities, digestive problems, and hearing and vision difficulties. The condition ranges widely in its severity. In some cases, it affects only one side of the body or both of the legs. But in nearly 80 percent of cases, it affects the entire body. Many people with cerebral palsy have normal or above-average intelligence, but may have difficulties in communicating. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but many treatments can help alleviate symptoms.

When a 15 year old Northern Ireland girl finds out that she is pregnant, it is rarely a cause for celebration. When that girl is the oldest of 4 children living with their parents in a small, publicly-owned, terraced house in a run-down housing estate in an area of low incomes and high unemployment, it is even less a joyful occasion. Abortion was not a feasible option for her because, at that time, abortion for any reason, except for the risk that the mother might die if the pregnancy continued, was illegal.