Johnson v. University Hospitals

The issue raised in this case is whether the parent of a healthy, normal child, born subsequent to a negligently performed sterilization operation, may recover, as an element of damages, the expenses of raising the child.

Numerous cases in other jurisdictions have been reported concerning the type of action before us. These cases have been variously classified as “wrongful pregnancy,” “wrongful birth,” or “wrongful life.” However, a consensus appears to be emerging that several distinct causes of action are described in these categories. Smith v. Gore (Tenn. 1987), 728 S.W. 2d 738, 741.

I

An…