NASHVILLE, Tenn. - An East Nashville baby has gained international attention after becoming what some call the new poster child for the pro-life movement.
Pearl Joy Brown's parents said they are not political people, but are honored that their baby has so far beat the odds and is able to inspire others.
When Eric and Ruth Brown thought about giving their two healthy kids a sibling, it was an easy choice.
"I called him on the phone to tell him we were pregnant and he said what! I can't believe you are calling me on the phone to tell me this!" said Ruth Brown.
At a 20 week check up their biggest concern was whether it would be a boy or girl and everything seemed normal for their third child.
"They told us they couldn't see a good picture of her face and head but that everything was fine," said Ruth.
But hours later the Browns were told to see a specialist who broke the news that Ruth's baby girl was far from fine.
"Officially her condition is deemed not compatible with life. And so he very strongly encouraged us to induce have her then," recalled Ruth.
Doctors advised to immediately terminate the pregnancy after being diagnosed with a rare disorder called holoprosencephaly, when the brain does not fully develop. Pearl Joy has the most severe type of it.
Despite being shown graphic photos of how their baby could look and despite knowing she would likely be a still born, they decided to keep Pearl. They said it was just another easy choice.
"We told him we couldn't do that. She is still alive and as long as she is alive then we are going to do everything to support her…. I can see her heart beating like she is living so what do you mean it's not compatible with life?-" said Ruth.
Pearl Joy was born on August 27th. She was alive, breathing and even crying to her mother's surprise.
"It was amazing and we didn't know how long it would last and so I scooped her up," said Ruth.
They quickly snapped family photos, not knowing how many minutes or moments they had left with baby Pearl.
That was 8 weeks ago. The family of five is still seizing every moment trying to keep Pearl alive.
"She has seizures daily, she has trouble breathing, she has trouble regulating her body temperature. It's hard work for her to live," said Ruth.
Her short life has already touched so many around the world. Letters, cards and donations are pouring in.
"We got a check in the mail from England last week and a pay pal from Slovakia, I don't know anyone in slovakia, and I have no idea of how they heard of our story," Ruth said.
The story of how the Browns took a difficult decision and made it an easy one touched people through their blog online (www.pearljoybrown.wordpress.com).
"It's not our call to decide if someone gets to live or die, God made her this way things didn't go wrong this is not a mistake," her husband Eric said.
Despite the struggle and the heartache, the Browns say it's a choice they'd gladly make all over again.
"We are going to celebrate her life no matter who long we have it and no matter how difficult it is," said Ruth.
Most babies born with Pearl's disorder die before birth. The oldest known survivors have lived into their teens.
