Wrongful life

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Tort law

Part of the common law series
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Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED)
Consent · Necessity · Self defense
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Detinue · Replevin · Trover
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Defamation · Invasion of privacy
Breach of confidence · Abuse of process
Malicious prosecution
Alienation of affections
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Public nuisance · Rylands v. Fletcher
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Ex turpi causa non oritur actio
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Common law
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Criminal law · Evidence

Wrongful life is the name given to a legal action in which someone is sued for failing to prevent the birth of a severely disabled child.

Typically a child and the parents will sue a doctor or a hospital for failing to provide information about the disability during the pregnancy, or a genetic disposition before the pregnancy. Had the mother been aware of this information, it is argued, she would have had an abortion, or chosen not to conceive at all.

The aim of the litigation is typically to provide financial compensation for the disabled person and the family.