Couple proceeding with US surgery for unborn baby

The couple seeking a new cutting-edge treatment for their unborn child diagnosed with spina bifida is proceeding with the surgery, CBC News learned on Friday.

Earlier in the week, Rachel and Pat Strong learned that OHIP was willing to foot the bill for the $100,000 surgery, but it was unclear what would happen if there were complications — in-utero surgery comes with the risk of preterm labour. Any additional hospital stays or NICU care could cost an additional $310,000.

On Friday, Rachel Strong said that as long as her pre-operative evaluation next Tuesday or Wednesday goes well, they were planning to proceed with the surgery on March 18.

If complications ensue, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will inform their Canadian physician to contact OHIP, and decisions would be made at that time, said Strong.

"We are still praying that all goes well and we will be able to return to Ontario after healing from the fetal surgery and deliver our baby girl here," said Strong in an email on Thursday.

The Strongs sought out the Philadelphia hospital because it's one of three that can do an in-utero surgery on their daughter, giving her a better shot at being able to walk, once she's born. Until now, most surgeries to help correct the problem take place after the baby is born.

Spina bifida is a birth defect in which parts of the spinal cord protrude from their protective vertebral column causing mobility and bowel issues, and sometimes learning disabilities.