In a deeply moving story out of Queensland, a tiny baby born at just 22 weeks and six days gestation has finally gone home after surviving a staggering 139 days in hospital. George Lassig Hodgetts, who weighed only 510 grams at birth, defied the odds when he and his twin brother Jude were born prematurely at Townsville University Hospital. Sadly, Jude passed away at five weeks. But George’s survival and discharge is being hailed as nothing short of a miracle.
From the moment of his birth, George’s life hung in the balance. His parents, Maddy and Damien, made the courageous decision to ask doctors to do everything they could to save them, despite being told of the extremely high risks. Their plea represents the essence of the pro-life conviction: that even the smallest and most fragile lives are worth fighting for.
Over almost five months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), George endured a series of life saving interventions. He received blood transfusions, six weeks of antiviral therapy, and constant respiratory support.³ Skilled neonatal specialists, nurses, and doctors pulled out all the stops, demonstrating both the capacity of Queensland’s health system and the moral imperative to preserve life at its most vulnerable.
When George finally left the hospital, he weighed around 5 kg and was thriving, having passed checks on his heart, hearing, and vision.⁴ His progress is a clear demonstration that surviving extreme prematurity is not just possible, but that with proper care, life can flourish even in its smallest form.
But George’s journey also raises important political and ethical questions for Queensland. As medical technology advances, babies born earlier and earlier can survive, yet our policies often fail to reflect this reality. His story stands as a powerful response to arguments in favour of late term abortion. Instead of assuming premature babies cannot survive, George shows that with compassion, resources, and determination, even the tiniest among us can beat the odds.
His story also highlights the importance of continued investment in neonatal services statewide. The level of care he required and the immense emotional toll on his family emphasise that Queensland must prioritise NICUs, staff resourcing, and parental support systems. Protecting vulnerable life is not just an ethical stance, it is a practical political commitment.
For the pro-life community, George’s survival is more than a touching human story, it is evidence. Evidence that life in the womb is precious. Evidence that viability is shifting earlier. Evidence that the smallest Queenslanders deserve the greatest protection.
As George’s family begins their life at home, their story remains a reminder: Every life deserves a chance. And when we choose life, even when it is fragile, miracles can happen.
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/premature-baby-finally-home-after-139-days-in-hospital/news-story/d88adac05d041ac98e62afecc4b60bfc