A couple with bones “like glass” say they refuse to be shamed for becoming parents after trolls called them “irresponsible and selfish” for having a baby they knew would struggle with the same “painful” disease.
Keep reading to know more.
Antwon and Dejua were both born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic condition often referred to as brittle bone disease. The disorder affects bone strength, making fractures far more likely and often occurring from minimal strain or everyday movements.
Living with OI – brittle bone disease – has shaped much of the couple’s lives, with the pair previously explaining that their bones are “like glass” and estimating they have experienced more than 600 fractures between them.
In an interview with Truly, they described how even routine actions have led to “painful” injuries, sharing that they have “both fractured ribs just by sneezing before,” highlighting the severity of the condition and the daily reality they navigate together.
Despite the physical challenges, they said their shared experience allows them to “really understand each other.”
Risky pregnancy
When Antwon and Dejua learned they were expecting a child, doctors warned them about the potential complications linked to OI. Because the condition is genetic, medical professionals explained that “any child [they] have would have OI,” while also outlining the risks pregnancy could pose to Dejua’s health.
Although the couple remained hopeful, the pregnancy quickly became complex. Dejua required an emergency C-section and was later admitted to intensive care after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Baby spent 11 months in NICU
Their daughter Atarah was born at just 29 weeks, classifying her as a micro-preemie, a category used for babies born extremely early and often requiring extended medical care.
The early arrival meant Atarah spent the first 11 months of her life in hospital as doctors monitored her development and provided specialized support.
After nearly a year of treatment – and five days before her first birthday – Atarah was finally discharged.
“Coming home just made it way more comfortable and easier because we have the things that we need here, it is amazing,” Dejua said in a separate clip. “Not having nurses and doctors or machines beeping 24/7. It’s like we like actually get to finally [music] be parents to her.
‘Irresponsible and selfish’
As the couple began sharing updates about their growing family online, the response quickly became divided. While many followers expressed support, others criticized their decision to have a child as “selfish.”
“Why do I feel like this should be illegal? If you’re this disabled you should not be able to procreate the baby will have insane health issues,” shared one netizen in the comment section of the couple’s Instagram post where they introduced Atarah to the world.
“This is so sad and I’m not speaking in a funny way. Why would they want to put this baby through this?” asked a second user.
Another wrote, “Don’t piss me off, this is irresponsible and selfish.”
According to Dejua, even members of her own family initially struggled with the news, revealing that her father “was not happy” when she first announced the pregnancy.
‘We’re not suffering’
Speaking on YouTube, Antwon addressed the reaction they received from critics.
“We’re not selfish for having a baby with our condition,” he said in the clip. “People just went crazy. ‘Oh my God, where’s CPS [Child Protection Services]? Why are the doctors, why are the nurses letting them do this?”’
“They call us ‘selfish.’ They’re like, ‘Why would have a baby with your condition?”’ Dejua added.
Despite the backlash, the couple has continued to share their perspective, emphasizing that living with OI does not define their quality of life.
“But the thing is, what people fail to realise, we’re not suffering – we’re just fine,” the mom said.
Baby ‘is thriving’
Since leaving hospital, Dejua said their daughter has not experienced any fractures, offering reassurance to those concerned about Atarah’s health.
Antwon also urged people to reconsider assumptions about disability and capability: “Just because you see we may not look like we can’t do this, we can’t do that doesn’t mean that we can’t.”
Dejua echoed that sentiment, reminding viewers that decisions about their child ultimately belong to them.
“You’re not in our shoes. Atarah is not your baby, we are her parents, and she is thriving,” she added.
‘She can be anyone’
As they continue documenting their journey online, the couple has also spoken about hopes for the future, including the possibility of expanding their family further.
But for now, their focus remains on raising Atarah and ensuring she grows up confident in her own potential despite the challenges she may face.
“My dream for Atarah is for her to always know that she is that girl. Like, she’s been through so much, she can do anything.
“She can be anyone she wants to be,” Dejua said.
Do you think it was selfish for the couple to have a child, knowing that “any child [they] have would have” the same disease? Please share your thoughts and then share this story so we can get the conversation going!
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