Sophia, born with trisomy 18, survived with a 5% chance

Sophia, born with trisomy 18 in 2022, survived despite a 5% chance at birth and now requires continuous medical support while her parents navigate hospital and insurance challenges.

Sophia Murphy was born in May 2022 with trisomy 18, a rare chromosomal condition that clinicians said carried very low survival odds. Early prenatal scans showed a major heart defect and a blood test suggested trisomy 18. Her parents, Kim and Sean Murphy, chose to continue the pregnancy and say they encountered pressure from some health providers to end life-sustaining care. Today Sophia lives at home and requires ongoing medical support. Key details: - Sophia was born May 20, 2022, after prenatal testing indicated a significant heart defect and probable trisomy 18. - She spent about nine months in neonatal intensive care, underwent multiple heart surgeries and a tracheostomy, and currently uses a breathing tube, a feeding tube, nebulizer treatments and several medications. - The family says some hospitals and clinicians discouraged continuing aggressive treatment; Johns Hopkins declined to comment and Nemours Children’s Hospital later agreed to perform surgeries. - At about 3½ years old, Sophia can be off her ventilator for short periods, responds to her family with smiles, and receives assistance from an in-home nurse whose authorization is renewed periodically. Summary: Sophia’s survival has required extended hospital treatment and sustained at-home medical care, and her parents describe ongoing difficulty obtaining consistent support from some health providers and insurers. Her family cites faith as a guiding factor in their decisions. Undetermined at this time.