Autistic first-time mother, 22, killed herself hours after learning her six-month-old baby might be put up for adoption, inquest hears

An autistic mother took her own life hours after being told her six-month-old baby might be put up for adoption, an inquest has heard.

22-year-old Fern Foster died on July 8, 2020, after his lawyer sent an email to her partner with the news that their child might be adopted.

Fern’s baby had ended up in foster care almost a month after her birth, in January 2020, after the support Fern’s family felt she was entitled to was not provided.

The investigation concluded yesterday found that the lack of an independent lawyer on a regular, consistent and ongoing basis contributed to Fern’s decision to commit suicide.

Senior Coroner for Buckinghamshire Crispin Butler concluded that the lack of an independent lawyer and the way the news of Fern’s child’s adoption was communicated to her contributed more than minimally to her decision to end her own life.

The court heard that Fern, from Monks Risborough, Bucks, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 15 and struggled to get the support she needed, often using self-harm as a way to express her distress.

Fern discovered she was pregnant on July 25, 2019, and Buckinghamshire Children’s Services became involved shortly afterwards.

The court heard Fern, who wanted to become an English teacher, was thrilled when she discovered she was pregnant and the news changed her outlook on life.

Throughout her pregnancy and up to the point where her child was taken from her, she did not exhibit any form of self-harm or other behavior that would endanger her or her baby.

It heard how Fern had described the process that ultimately led to her child being removed from her care as a ‘runaway train’.

Crispin Butler, senior coroner for Buckinghamshire, reached a narrative conclusion, listing the cause of death as suicide.

He added that the lack of an independent lawyer and the way news pointing to the adoption of Fern’s child was communicated to her contributed more than minimally to her decision to end her own life.

Fern discovered she was pregnant on July 25, 2019 and Buckinghamshire Children’s Services became involved shortly afterwards

The court heard that Fern needed help from an independent lawyer at a much earlier stage who could help her understand and connect with professionals.

This was the largest reasonable accommodation that could have been made to meet Fern’s needs.

Fern had previously indicated she wanted to commit suicide if her child was adopted, and the court heard that the way in which plans for adoption were communicated to her was a major trigger for Fern’s actions.

There was no communication plan in place and Fern was informed of the news via an email sent to her partner by his lawyer.

Fern’s family describes her as smart, kind, caring and conscientious and someone who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Fern’s sister Rowan said: ‘We are pleased that the lack of advocacy in Fern’s care and the inappropriate delivery of the proposed adoption care plan submitted by the local authority have been recognized as the causes of Fern’s death.

‘Mothers facing the removal of their children should be supported, especially autistic mothers, as autistic women are 13 times more likely to die by suicide.

‘It is tragic that there was never a clear plan to support Fern as a mother, nor to protect her safety when she was told that would not be possible.

“These essential requirements were repeatedly ignored, inevitably pushing Fern to breaking point. This was no way to treat a vulnerable, disabled, new mother.’

‘We believe the lack of understanding and acceptance of autism in women and girls contributed significantly to the poor care Fern received.

‘She was diagnosed late, repeatedly labeled with a personality disorder she did not have, and the stigma around this led to her being harmed.

‘Fern was open about her suicidality, but she was still not taken seriously.

‘The misdiagnosis of personality disorders, as well as the punitive and dangerous culture of care that comes with it, must end.

‘Finally, we believe that the right of autistic parents to access the support they deserve is not adequately protected by policy or law. It is imperative that this changes and that autistic parents are protected in the future.”

Caleb Bawdon, a lawyer from Leigh Day who represented the family, said: ‘Fern’s family welcome the coroner’s conclusion, which acknowledges that she had been severely abandoned before her death.

‘It’s been almost four years since Fern’s death, but her family have been clear from the start about the difference access to independent advocacy would have made to the outcome.

‘It is a testament to the strength and courage of her family during this time that the coroner now agrees with them, and they are grateful for the care and attention he has given in conducting his investigation.’