At her 20-week scan, Emma Kemsley heard the words no parent expects: her baby had a rare condition that meant the bladder, kidneys and lungs would not develop properly. There was no chance of survival. She was advised to have a termination for medical reasons at 21 weeks.
The news was devastating. After three years of trying to conceive and six rounds of IVF, this pregnancy had been her final attempt. Emma had severe stage 4 endometriosis and had already spent more than £50,000 on treatment. Doctors had warned her that her fertility was badly affected.
The diagnosis, Posterior Urethral Valves, left no hope. Emma chose to end the pregnancy to spare her baby further suffering. She describes it as the hardest decision of her life — choosing peace for her child over her own heartbreak.
The medical process added to her trauma. Because of her health complications, arranging a surgical procedure was difficult and delayed. She received little aftercare and later faced serious health complications, including sepsis.
In the years that followed, Emma also lost her mother. Eventually, she made the painful decision to stop IVF and accept a different future.
Today, she lives abroad with her husband. Although the loss remains, she says she has found peace. Her message to other women is clear: life after infertility can still hold meaning, love and happiness — even if it looks different than expected.