In a distressing turn of events, a young mother, Fern Foster, tragically took her own life mere hours after receiving news that her six-month-old baby might face adoption, according to findings from an inquest. Fern, aged 22, passed away on July 8, 2020, shortly after her partner received an email from his solicitor detailing the potential adoption of their child.
The sequence of events leading to this heartbreaking outcome was unveiled during the inquest, which concluded recently. Fern’s baby had been placed in foster care approximately a month after birth in January 2020, due to a lack of anticipated support from relevant authorities, as her family had expected. The inquiry highlighted the absence of a consistent and continuous independent advocate as a contributing factor to Fern’s decision to end her life.
Fern, a resident of Monks Risborough, Buckinghamshire, had been diagnosed with autism at the age of 15. Throughout her life, she grappled with accessing the necessary support systems, often resorting to self-harm as a means of expressing her distress. The involvement of Buckinghamshire Children’s Services commenced shortly after Fern discovered her pregnancy on July 25, 2019.
Described as a woman with aspirations of becoming an English teacher, Fern’s pregnancy initially brought hope and positivity into her life. Until the point her child was taken from her care, she did not exhibit any behaviors endangering herself or her baby.
During the proceedings, Fern characterized the process leading to the removal of her child as an uncontrollable “runaway train.” Senior Coroner Crispin Butler concluded the inquiry with a narrative verdict, citing suicide as the cause of death. He underscored the pivotal role of an independent advocate and the inadequate manner in which news of the adoption plan was conveyed to Fern in influencing her decision.
Fern’s family emphasized her exceptional qualities, describing her as bright, compassionate, and leaving a lasting impact on those around her. Her sister, Rowan, expressed satisfaction with the acknowledgment of systemic failures in Fern’s care, particularly regarding the lack of advocacy and the mishandling of the adoption plan.
Caleb Bawdon, a solicitor from Leigh Day representing Fern’s family, echoed their sentiments, appreciating the coroner’s recognition of the shortcomings preceding Fern’s tragic demise. He commended the family’s resilience throughout the ordeal and emphasized the crucial role independent advocacy could have played in altering the outcome.
Fern’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to provide adequate support and understanding, particularly to vulnerable individuals navigating parenthood within the autistic community. The call for policy and legal reforms to safeguard the rights of autistic parents resonates strongly in the wake of this heartbreaking loss.
