This Morning viewers in tears as expectant mum donating sick baby's organs breaks down
THIS MORNING viewers found it difficult to hold back their tears as they listened to Hayley and Scott Martin tell Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes that their unborn baby will not survive.
Mother reveals she's donating her sick baby's organs once born
The couple revealed that they found out that Ava Joy would not survive at a 20-week scan and will die during labour or moments after birth.
Doctors said that they could terminate the pregnancy but they have bravely decided to complete the pregnancy and will donate their daughters organs to other babies.
Ava Joy will be Hayley’s fourth child and speaking of her decision to carry her to term, Hayley told Ruth and Eamonn: “We can donate her heart valves… they will come in and take her away and with her heart valves, they can store them for up to 10 years.
“Anything is better than nothing. Tissue is just as valuable and I myself, if I passed away would happily give up my organs if it can save somebody else.”
She went on to reveal the options given to them, explaining: “When we went back the following day with a specialist doctor she said we could terminated the pregnancy or hold on.
“And, if at any point we wanted to terminate we could but after 22 weeks they would have to put a needle into her heart.”
Hayley struggled through the interview as she broke down in tears and asked her partner Scott to take over while Ruth handed her some tissues.
Viewers at home were heartbroken by Hayley’s story and took to Twitter to reveal they’d been left in tears.
“Heartbreaking . What these parents are going through but also wonderful that they will donate to help save other lives. Upmost respect for them #ThisMorning #organdonation,” one person wrote.
While another added: “This poor woman on #ThisMorning. Going to give birth to a baby with no chance of survival just so she can give her organs to those who need it.Completely heartbreaking but such a wonderful thing to do. These parents are so brave and amazing.”
A third continued: “I'm sat here crying my eyes out at this mum, giving birth to her still born daughter. Such bravery amid anguish #thismorning.”
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10.30am.