Pippin Anderson is no ordinary teenage mum – in fact she’s believed to be the youngest woman ever to undergo IVF in Australia at just 18.
And her story doesn’t end there, with her pregnancy the result of a brave decision to give her terminally ill husband Jahmmin a child before he passes away from bone cancer.
When 21-year-old Jahmmin received his shocking diagnosis two years ago, he had his sperm frozen before starting chemotherapy – as the treatment was expected to leave him infertile. The devastated couple were then able to try IVF.
‘We are the youngest couple in the world, for 10 years, I think,’ Pippin tells New Idea.
Brave Pippin, now 19, is expecting a baby girl via IVF. Photos: Paul Philipson
The young Melbourne couple had been dating on and off for the past five years, but Jahmmin popped the question after his shock diagnosis.
‘When he proposed, he said: “Will you be my wife and be the mother of my child?”’ Pippin recalls of the big moment.
They married in June 2011, and after their Bali honeymoon they attempted to convince doctors they were worthy of becoming parents.
'They didn’t know if it was the right thing to do because of how young I was and because Jah is terminally ill,' says Pippin, now 19.
The couple had to undergo counselling, and for Pippin it was a difficult time revisiting sad memories of her own upbringing.
‘I lost my dad when I was two,’ she says. ‘So they said: “Well, then you know what it’s like and how it’s going to feel for the child.”’
Doctors didn’t know what to expect from the procedure, as the youngest woman they had ever treated was 22, and the average woman requires three attempts at IVF before she is successful.
But Pippin was thrilled when everything went to plan, besides some severe morning sickness. And when the couple saw a recent scan picture of their baby – believed to be a girl – they knew they had done the right thing.
‘She looks just like Jah. She has big lips, and is long with huge feet,’ laughs Pippin.
The expectant mum says despite many people finding it hard to understand why she chose to have a baby, knowing she may well raise it as a young single mum, she has never questioned the idea.
‘I wouldn’t have children with anyone else,’ Pippin says. ‘I won’t marry anyone else.’
By: Melissa HowardPhotos: Paul Philipson
9 Comments
No offense to any of you esp Tania, but if you had sick genes that you know that might be passed on to your children would you still proceed to create that child just because you can have a child? I'd be selfish if i did. Humans have evolved past natural selection which resulted in weaker genes passed down to the present causing an endless breed of cancers, not to mention dangerously over populated with sick genes. I'm just talking science - not emotions. So nothing personal Tania x
1 ReplyA sad yet beautiful story..i wish then all the best.. i hope no on judges them or her decision, give them your support.. they are both so very courageous and they are in love.. sending my thoughts and prayers their way.
1 ReplyWhat a mature and amazing young woman to be committed to her partner going through cancer. Yes it's going to be tough, but look at what she's doing already! And from Tania's comments above she obviously has support from family around her. And weak genes? Show me a family that does not have genetic risks for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or some other disease. Good luck to them for a beautiful bundle of joy.
1 ReplyPoor child - the wife I mean. Just a girl, really. The vast majority of us understand that this is a mistake, and yes of course, practically everything is genetic, so I hope their child dodges the bullet that got this young man. But it's too late now, and at least it was a mistake made out of love. I hope it gave him some comfort, and will give her some in her grief. And when she does meet another man to love they live a long and happy life together.
1 Replyi have read all your comments about this article....how do you know that this boy has passed on weak genes? How do you know its going to be hard for this young girl to raise a child on her own? I respect your valued comments but you dont even know this family....I do...i am Jahmmins Aunty...and they made this choice for there own reasons, and the love they had for each other is more stronger than you or i can ever imagine..Love you Pippin and our little moko when she arrives.....Kia Kaha girl...xxxxx
3 Replies