Mother defends laser birthmark treatment after online backlash

An Australian mother faces online backlash for laser treatment of her baby Kingsley's Port Wine Stain birthmark, now sharing his health status at age three.

Mother defends laser birthmark treatment after online backlash

Kingsley, born in 2022 on the Gold Coast, arrived with a large Port Wine Stain covering half of his face. Port Wine Stains on the face can be linked to glaucoma and Sturge Weber syndrome, conditions that require ongoing medical care. Doctors explained that laser treatment, using a Pulsed Dye Laser, aims to keep the skin healthy and prevent further damage rather than erase the birthmark. The treatment sits at the crossroads of cosmetic concern and health risk, guided by pediatric dermatology experts.

Brooke Atkins faced harsh online backlash after she chose laser treatment for her son. Critics called her a monster, a reaction that highlights how public scrutiny often meets parental medical decisions. Now three years later, videos show a markedly lighter mark, though Kingsley continues to live with Sturge Weber syndrome, seizures, and glaucoma. He has endured multiple eye surgeries and hospital stays, underscoring that this path blends medical necessity with long term challenges rather than simple cosmetic choice.

Online forums often treat medical choices as moral judgments, especially when a child’s appearance is involved. This case exposes the gap between clinical guidance and public perception, and it invites a broader conversation about education on Port Wine Stain and related health risks. The story also shows how social media can amplify fear and stigma, complicating a parent’s task of advocating for their child while shielding them from harm. A careful, evidence based approach from doctors and clearer public information could reduce harm and support families facing similar decisions.

As Kingsley’s health evolves, the focus shifts from appearance to long term outcomes. The piece underlines that health decisions for infants are made under uncertainty and with professional input, and it calls for empathy from audiences who might not share the same lived experience. Responsible reporting should balance medical facts with respect for families navigating rare conditions and the real cost of stigma online.

Highlights

Health decisions for children deserve informed, compassionate discussion not quick judgments.