Newborn will face ‘enormous challenges’

The baby at the centre of the latest controversial abortion case has only a 20% to 30% likelihood of not having an intellectual or physical disability because of its early delivery.

The Master of the Rotunda, Sam Coulter- Smith, warned that the baby will face “enormous challenges” as it was born 15 to 16 weeks early.

Dr Coulter-Smith said the baby will spend up to 16 weeks in neo-natal intensive care at a cost of between €60,000 and €90,000 to the health service.