RJ Wilson’s mum Jasmine Self, from South Carolina, in the US, booked a termination after discovering her baby’s limbs were not developing – but decided not to go through with it
A baby born without arms and legs has defied doctors who said he would not survive.
RJ Wilson’s mum Jasmine Self booked a termination after discovering her baby’s limbs were not developing in the womb – but decided not to go through with it.
Jasmine, 24, was five months pregnant when an ultrasound revealed her son had a rare genetic condition called tetra-amelia, which is characterised by the absence of all four limbs and can also cause severe malformations of the body’s organs.
Jasmine, a hotel receptionist, made the tough decision to continue with her pregnancy with the support of her boyfriend Rondell Wilson, 30, but was forced to deliver her son at just 29 weeks when her placenta detached.
According to the US National Library of Science, most children with tetra-amelia are stillborn or die shortly after birth due to the severity of their medical issues.
Baby RJ weighed just 2lb 4oz when he was born through emergency C-section at McLeod Regional Medical Center in South Carolina on September 29.
RJ, now four months old, spent two months in the hospital’s NICU but is now thriving at home in Florence, South Carolina.
Jasmine said: “I found out I was pregnant in April. I took a home pregnancy test but I was worried about telling my family.
“I didn’t go to the doctor until August, so it was really late. When I finally decided to go I could tell there was something wrong.
“The ultrasound technician told me I needed to make an appointment with my family doctor.
“I was sitting in the waiting room of my family doctor’s office when he came out to get me.
“I could see him take a deep breath and my anxiety just went through the roof. My doctor told me my baby didn’t have any limbs.
“I just stared and him and he asked me if I understood, then I just started crying.
“I asked him if I did something wrong. I asked him if it was my fault because I didn’t go to the doctor for a few months.
“He explained to me that it wasn’t my fault in any way. I was sent for follow up appointments where they explained the condition to me and told me he could have other malformations.
“My doctors explained my options to me, and told me there was a possibility I wouldn’t be able to carry him to term, or that he might be stillborn.
“My boyfriend and I talked about a termination and actually booked a procedure in Washington but we I decided to go on with the pregnancy.
“My pregnancy didn’t last for long after that, but it was smooth while it lasted. My placenta detached so he had to be delivered immediately at 29 weeks.
“When he was born he immediately had to have some blood transfusions. I remember seeing a head full of hair before they whisked him away.
“I was able to hold him for the first time on October 1. I put my hands into the incubator and held him in my hands.
“It was a happy moment.”
Jasmine said she feels blessed that RJ is not coping with a barrage of medical issues apart from the limitations that will come with a life without limbs.
But she does worry about her son’s future, and struggles to cope with adults who avoid speaking about RJ’s condition.
Jasmine said: “He’s a normal baby in every way except he doesn’t have any arms or legs.
“He tried to grow his little legs but they didn’t develop – I call them his gumdrops.
“He has shoulders but doesn’t have arms.
“Adults never ask me questions but kids always speak their mind which I appreciate.
“They ask me where are his arms and legs, and I answer them.
“One cute little girl at church asked me how RJ is ever going to do math in school which was funny.
“I told her we’ll find a way.
“I’d prefer if people are just upfront and ask me the questions they want to.”
RJ’s parents, Jasmine and Rondell, a store supervisor, say there are many practical challenges when it comes to his condition, like finding clothes that fit, and a car seat that’s secure.
But Jasmine believes that her son is very wise and she has big dreams for his future.
Jasmine said: “He doesn’t need any special devices just yet but in the future he will.
“RJ’s personality is great. He makes the funniest facial expressions.
“He definitely understands what you’re saying.
“I think RJ’s future will be bright. I think he could be a public speaker and share his condition with the world.”
