Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust v X [2019] EWCOP 35

​Declaration regarding capacity and orders for serious medical treatment relating to the P, a woman who was in the advanced stages of her pregnancy, were made.

The P, who had had multiple previous admissions to hospital with psychotic symptoms and has had various different diagnoses, including Acute and Transient psychotic disorder; bipolar disorder; schizoaffective disorder and personality disorder was in the late stages of pregnancy and in fact was over term. The baby was at risk of being stillborn and the Trust was asking the court to give permission for any medical intervention necessary to ensure the baby was born safe and well.

The court made the declarations sought, ruling that the P lacked capacity and was unable to reconcile her conflicting beliefs (on the one hand of wanting a natural birth and also wanting a live, well and safely born baby) in a way that she was able to balance the pros and cons. 

Read the full text of the judgment on Bailii