’Stupid’’ mom to lose baby

UK social services to take baby from teen deemed too stupid to marry

'Stupid

UK social services to take baby from teen deemed too stupid to marry

A mother-to-be, who was banned from marrying after social workers said she is not intelligent enough, is to have her baby taken away immediately after giving birth. Kerry Robertson (17), who has mild learning difficulties, has been told that she will not be allowed to bring up her own child, who she has already named Ben.

Last month, Robertson was prevented from marrying her fiancu00e9 Mark McDougall (25), after council officials claimed that she "did not understand the implications of getting married". She will be allowed a few hours with her baby, which is due in January, before it's taken into foster care.

After hearing the news, Robertson, who is 26 weeks pregnant, said, "I'm so upset, I can't stop crying."
McDougall, an artist, said he wants to take on full responsibility for his son but claims that he is powerless because he is not married to Robertson.

He added, "Social services are ruining our lives. Social workers would not let us marry; it seems I have no rights as a dad at all.

"Kerry's gran is trying to apply for custody of Ben but social services have already told us it is unlikely she will be successful."

The extraordinary case first came to light last month when the couple's wedding was halted 48 hours before Robertson was due to walk up the aisle.

Under Scottish law, a registrar may refuse to marry a couple if they believe one or both the parties lack the mental capacity to understand what the institution of marriage is about. In a highly unusual step, Dunfermline Register Office refused to sanction the marriage after Fife council wrote a letter of objection.

Growing up
Robertson was brought up by her grandmother from the age of nine months because her parents were unable to look after her and her welfare has since been overseen by the council's social workers.

She met McDougall in January and the couple planned to get married after Robertson became pregnant.
Two days before the ceremony, two social workers visited their flat and told them that the marriage was illegal because of Miss Robertson's learning difficulties.

The service and reception for 20 guests had to be called off despite the couple having already bought rings and a wedding dress.