Family Court judge Paul Cronin found that performing a hysterectomy on the child, identified only as Angela, was ''in the child's best interests''. Angela has Rett syndrome, making her profoundly disabled and unable to talk or use sign language.

She has to be fed and cared for and has no bladder control.

She has a special walking frame she has to be strapped into and has a person to help her.

Since she was born, Angela has had epileptic seizures but they are now under control through medication.

While the epilepsy is controlled, seizures can occur when she has a heavy menstrual period, which have been happening since she was nine.

AAP