Do you ever get bothered by intrusive questions about when you’re planning to have children? Well, for Charli Worgan and her husband Cullen, the answer to that question was not so straightforward. As a Sydney-based couple with different types of dwarfism, they have faced constant public scrutiny, especially when Charli became pregnant with their first child.

But instead of letting it discourage them, Charli turned this adversity into an opportunity to educate and inspire others. Little did she know that her social media account would grow to over 300,000 followers, becoming a platform to share their incredible family journey.

Today, Charli and Cullen proudly embrace the role of parents to their two beautiful daughters. And recently, Charli announced that she is 14 weeks pregnant with their third child. This news, however, comes with mixed emotions.

The Genetic Challenges and the Testing Process

Due to the genetic challenges they face, Charli and Cullen undergo intensive testing with each pregnancy. Their offspring could potentially inherit one type of dwarfism from either parent, be of average height, or even inherit both types of dwarfism, which experts believe would have devastating consequences.

Instead of the joyous announcements that most mothers make, Charli found herself undergoing invasive genetic testing procedures. She expressed her disappointment, stating, “While others rejoice at 12 weeks, I was lining up for the Chorionic Villus Sampling, a procedure that carries a 2% risk of miscarriage. This test would reveal the genetic makeup of my baby.”

The Four Possibilities

Their two daughters, Tully and Tilba, aged two and four respectively, each have one type of dwarfism. So, when Charli became pregnant with their third child, they eagerly awaited the results to determine which of the four possibilities their baby would inherit.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Charli explained the potential outcomes:

• Their baby could be of average height.

• Their baby could have Achondroplasia, the same type of dwarfism as Charli.

• Their baby could have Geleophysic Dysplasia, the same type of dwarfism as Cullen.

• Their baby could inherit both genetic variations, known as “double dominant dwarfism,” which medical professionals believe would be fatal upon birth. In such a case, Charli would have to make the heart-wrenching decision whether to carry on or terminate the pregnancy.

Charli bravely acknowledged that she was anxiously waiting to learn if their baby’s journey continues or ends before March 2021.

Choosing Kindness Over Criticism

Despite facing criticism for sharing her life so publicly, Charli addresses this head-on in her post. She explains, “I’ve faced criticism for choosing to have babies with these odds, but by sharing this small piece of our story, doubters can see that bringing a child into the world with these challenges is not a simple decision. It’s about kindness.”

A Joyful Arrival

In late February, the Worgan family celebrated the arrival of their baby boy, Rip. Charli shared a beautiful photo of herself and her child, accompanied by enlightening words for all parents. She stated, “I may be tired, but I’m overwhelmingly grateful and fortunate. There’s no ‘right’ way to navigate motherhood, and there’s certainly no ‘wrong’ way either.”

Charli’s journey as a parent resonates with so many others. Her posts serve as a source of inspiration, reminding us that the challenges and joys of bringing children into the world are universal. The Worgan family is an extraordinary example of the power of love, resilience, and determination to embrace life against all odds.