Evie Toombes, a talented 23-year-old showjumper from the UK, has made headlines with her groundbreaking lawsuit against her mother’s doctor, Dr. Philip Mitchell. Born with Spina Bifida, a congenital condition affecting her spine and spinal cord, Evie claimed that Dr. Mitchell’s negligence led to her birth. According to Evie, Dr. Mitchell failed to advise her mother, Caroline, about the importance of taking folic acid supplements before conception, which could have reduced the risk of Spina Bifida.
The lawsuit, known as a “wrongful conception” case, centered on the argument that if Caroline had received proper guidance, she would have delayed attempting to conceive, potentially resulting in a healthy child. Judge Rosalind Coe ruled in Evie’s favor, stating that with proper advice, Caroline would have postponed conception, likely leading to a normal, healthy child.
Evie’s victory in court has set a significant precedent, holding healthcare professionals accountable for providing adequate pre-conception advice. While the exact payout amount remains undisclosed, it will reportedly cover Evie’s lifelong care needs. To protect her from potential death threats, the court has ordered that the settlement details remain confidential ¹ ².
Beyond her lawsuit, Evie is a passionate advocate for awareness about invisible illnesses and disabilities. Through her E.N.D. Campaign (Educate Not Discriminate), she aims to raise awareness and support for individuals facing similar challenges. As a para-showjumper, Evie has already achieved impressive feats, including meeting the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, after receiving the Inspiration Young Person Award in 2018.
Evie’s determination to share her journey and promote positive change is inspiring. By documenting her life and struggles on her blog, she offers a glimpse into her world and fosters a sense of community. Her courage and resilience serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of education, awareness, and support for individuals with disabilities ³.
