Evie Toombes, 20, from Skegness, Lincolnshire, England, claims she should have never been born and she is suing her mother’s GP for millions in damages.
The para-showjumping star was born with spina bifida – a condition where a baby’s spine and spinal cord fail to develop in the womb, causing a gap in the spine – and spends some of her days connected to tubes 24-hours-a-day.
Despite her condition, she has built a career in showjumping, competing against both disabled and able-bodied riders.
Yet, she claims Dr Philip Mitchell is liable for a “wrong conception charge” after failing to advise her mother, Caroline Toombes, to take vital supplements before getting pregnant.
Evie says that if her mother’s doctor advised her to take folic acid supplements, to reduce the chance of spina bifida affecting her baby, her mother would not have gotten pregnant and she would not have been born.
But Dr Mitchell denies the claims stating he provided Mrs. Toombes with “reasonable advice”.
Evie says that if her mother’s doctor advised her to take folic acid supplements, to reduce the chance of spina bifida affecting her baby, her mother would not have gotten pregnant and she would not have been born.
But Dr Mitchell denies all claims as his barrister, Michael De Navarro QC, insisted it is his defense that he gave “reasonable advice” about the desirability of folic acid supplements being taken.
He claims he surely would have advised the mother to have a good diet and good folic acid levels and denies saying supplements were not necessary.
The court also heard how Evie’s mobility is very limited and will need a wheelchair more than ever as she grows older, whilst suffering from bowel and bladder.
Despite her circumstance, Evie still educates children about invisible illnesses and works at Nottingham University.
