In 2013, Pro-life Congressman Jaime Herrera Beutler, delivered her first-born daughter in Washington state. However, prior to her birth, Beutler was encouraged to have an abortion because her daughter had Potter’s syndrome, a rare condition that results in kidney failure. Doctors consider the condition deadly because most infants die within a few days after they are born.
Additionally, in Potter’s syndrome, the baby has an atypical physical appearance as the result of oligohydramnios, a decrease in amniotic fluid volume that causes developmental problems.
As LifeNews previously reported, Beutler refused abortion and after Abigail was born, Dr. Jessica Bienstock at Johns Hopkins Hospital was willing to try an unconventional procedure to try and save her life. The procedure was successful and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and her husband, Daniel, have a happy, healthy one-year old. Then, in July, Beutler said Abigail was doing well two weeks following her birth and she has continued to progress.
Now another story about a baby born with Potter’s syndrome has been shared with LifeNews. On January 5th, Naaman John Arnell was born at 5:55pm. He weighted 6lbs 10oz and only had one kidney. His blood pressure was not stabilized and one of his lungs was punctured and possibly the other lung as well. Sadly, little Naaman didn’t make it and passed away two days later on January 7th.
This message was posted on Facebook about his passing: “Baby Naaman passed away at 4:02 this afternoon. He did one last amazing thing at the very end … He opened his eyes and looked directly at his mother as he was placed in her arms for the very first time. That was the only time we are aware of that he had ever opened his eyes. Tyler and Lindsay are exhausted, but their faith continues to sustain them as they grieve. They are very grateful for everyone’s prayers, support and various offers of help throughout this difficult time.”
His family also posted about Naaman’s death. They wrote, “My little man. You were here and now you are gone but your memory lives on. We were all blessed by your short life. I thank God that you were able to touch so many people in your tiny little life. Your inheritance in heaven has already been confirmed. (Romans 8:16-18) “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
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We as your parents, grandparents, brothers, aunties, uncles, cousins and friends will rejoice in the time that we had with you.
We do not know why you had to leave us so early but trust that God has a plan here. We will “trust in the lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
They concluded, “Thank you baby for the fight you put up and giving us the time we had. You fought through and overcame many odds in your short little life. You can go now and fight for God. We miss you and love you and will cherish the memory of you until we meet again in heaven with our true Father God.”
Please take some time today to pray for Naaman’s family during this difficult time.
