The media loves a “good news” story, as a result the bias within the journalism is to present stories absent of proper fact. In the case of premmies represented in the media, even with the best intentions of the parents, we’re often told that even micro prems suffer little ill effect or few long term issues as a result of prematurity. These statements give the general public a false picture of prematurity and furthers the “Oh they’re just a little early and a little small” mentality.

An article in Sydney Morning Herald entitled “Doctors push the limits to save fragile lives” does just that. This article starts out by claiming that Nicole Davis, a 26 weeker and the focus of the piece, “is likely to come through the ordeal unscathed, growing up as a normal child with no physical or developmental consequences from her rocky debut.” This is a blatant untruth, sitting here right now I could name a dozen children born at older gestations who are currently experiencing “physical or developmental consequences” as a result of their premature birth.

The article states, correctly, that a baby born at 26 weeks has an 85% survival rate, unfortunately it then goes on to say that this statistic means that “…babies such as Nicole [are] securely in the category of those destined to live.” Interesting, considering an 85% survival rate means that 15% of babies born at this gestation will unfortunately die.

This article does nothing to present the truth–that being born at 26 weeks offers a vast array of problems and complications. Some of which are quite severe, others which may not present themselves until several years down the track and a variety in between. It paints such a pretty picture of prematurity but is, in point of fact, in correct and blatantly misleading. Is it little wonder that many pregnancy and parenting forums have members who want their babies born at merely 26 – 28 weeks because they believe their child will be just fine?

All in all I’m disappointed at such sloppy journalism and can’t help but wonder what Dr Lui of the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick, interviewed for this piece, thinks of it.