Wrongful life

Wrongful life is the name given to a legal action in which someone is sued for failing to prevent the birth of a severely disabled child.

Typically a child and the parents will sue a doctor or a hospital for failing to provide information about the disability during the pregnancy. Had the mother been aware of this information, it is argued, she would have had an abortion.

The aim of the litigation is typically to provide financial compensation for the disabled person and the family.