Washington congresswoman reveals sad news about unborn baby

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash.



WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., who represents Washington state's 3rd Congressional District,  disclosed Tuesday that her unborn child has been diagnosed with an often-fatal medical condition called Potter’s Syndrome.

“We are praying for a miracle,” the 34-year-old congresswoman from southwestern Washington said on her Facebook page.

“A few weeks ago Daniel (her husband) and I excitedly announced that we are expecting our first baby later this fall.  This post is to let you know about a sharp turn our journey has taken,” she wrote.

“At a recent, routine ultrasound appointment, we received the difficult news that our baby has a serious medical condition called Potter's Syndrome. Potter's Syndrome (or Potter's Sequence) is abnormally low amniotic fluid caused by impaired kidney function, which inhibits normal lung development and is often fatal.

“We have had a second opinion and the medical diagnosis was consistent with the initial news: there is no medical solution available to us. We are praying for a miracle.

“We don't know what the future holds for our family, but we ask for your prayers and appreciate the privacy a family needs in such circumstances.  According to the medical information and advice we've received, I will be able to continue to balance the responsibilities of an expectant mother with serving as your representative in Congress.”

Herrera Beutler, who has been serving in the U.S. House since 2011, lives in Camas.