Z, Re (Rev 1) [2020] EWCOP 20

​The LA considered that the P lacked the capacity to make decisions about contraception and, in view of her obstetric history and current presentation, her treating team considered that it was in the P's best interests to have an intrauterine contraceptive device inserted at the time of her caesarean section in order both to reduce the risk of an unplanned future pregnancy and to enable family spacing. The court made the order sought.

The P has a rare chromosomal abnormality syndrome, known as "chromosome 17q12 microdeletion", as a consequence of which she suffers from cognitive impairment and a bicornate (or heart-shaped) uterus. At the time of hearing the P was 35 weeks pregnant with her fifth child. In view of her obstetric history and current presentation, the P was an extremely high-risk individual where any future pregnancy would carry with it a significant risk to her and her baby's health. The LA applied to have an intrauterine contraceptive device inserted at the time of her caesarean section.

The court made the order sought, concluding that the P lacks capacity to make decisions about contraception and that it is in her best interests to have an intrauterine contraceptive device inserted at the time of her caesarean section.

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