Seraphina Harell's story of life and love changed the process of surrogacy forever. Now those close to the 8-year-old are mourning her loss.
In 2012, Seraphina's surrogate mother, Crystal Kelley, made headlines for refusing to have an abortion. The couple who had chosen Crystal to carry their child offered $10,000 for the abortion after learning of Seraphina's complications. At an ultrasound appointment halfway through her pregnancy, fetal abnormalities were detected.
Crystal believed the practice was wrong and refused. She moved from Connecticut to Michigan. Michigan's laws ensured that she would be seen as the parent of the child, not the couple. Soon after Seraphina was born, the Harrell family of Massachusetts adopted her with Crystal's support. In the process, the case gained international attention. It started many important conversations about the surrogacy process.
During her eight years, Seraphina touched the hearts of many. The little girl exhibited a love of life that inspired those around her.
Seraphina Harrell touched the hearts of so many people in her short time on earth. Seraphina died on July 15, a few weeks after her eighth birthday. The little girl's story became the subject of international discussion in 2012 before Seraphina was even born.
It all started when Crystal Kelley was chosen by a couple as their surrogate. Crystal was halfway through the pregnancy when an ultrasound showed the baby had multiple severe birth defects. The couple who had hired Crystal decided they didn't want to continue with the pregnancy.
The couple offered Crystal $10,000 to terminate the pregnancy. Crystal wasn't comfortable with that, and the conflict attracted media attention. It drew attention to the fact that agencies and lawyers didn't always ensure that parents and surrogates were on the same page about important issues.
"People heard about this case, and they got scared about skipping steps. That's good for the industry," surrogacy attorney Melissa Brisman told CNN.
With the use of surrogacy in the United States on the rise, these changes are more important than ever.
"What happened, in this case, is less likely to happen today. It could still happen, but it's less likely."
Seraphina was born on June 25, 2012. She was born with heterotaxy syndrome. Many of her internal organs were misplaced. She had two spleens, but neither worked. She also had multiple heart defects.
Seraphina had three heart surgeries and countless minor procedures throughout her life. She died at Boston Children's Hospital following complications from a needed surgery and a separate infection. What others will remember most about her is her ability to enjoy life and spread joy despite all that ailed her.
The Harrell family — who, with Crystal's blessing, adopted Seraphina after she was born — cherished their time with her.
"What I heard over and over from so many of her doctors was they could never imagine that someone with Seraphina's level of need could do as well as she did or be as joyful as she was," her mother, Rene Harrell, told CNN.
"What drove the conflict when Crystal was pregnant with her, was whether or not she'd have a meaningful life. And I think without hesitation, the answer to that question is yes, she did. Seraphina had a very, very meaningful and happy life," Rene continued.
Though she could only speak a few words, she learned American Sign Language. Her favorite sign was "I love you."
"She'd sign it and always add a little kissing sound," Rene recalled.
Seraphina couldn't walk but got along well with her wheelchair. "She could get herself around in a power wheelchair like nobody's business," Renee laughed.
"She was so loving. If you looked sad, she would comfort you. If you got even the slightest little poke, she would sign 'sorry' and then kiss your boo-boo."
"When her baby cousin cried, she would sign 'Baby, cry, Mama, milk.'"
Seraphina had a special relationship with each of her seven brothers and sisters, some of whom are also living with disabilities.
"Nora and Nathan read to her. Laney painted her nails. Derecc played Darth Vader wars. She fought with the nine-year-old twins. Clare was her true playmate, because even though she is 18, in practice she and Seraphina were both around three, so they liked the same things," Rene shared.
"They all miss her terribly. She was the centering part of our family. She was our heart and soul," she said.
"For the eight years she lived, she had a full life," said her father, Thomas Harrell. "She had a lot of joy in her life and gave a lot of other people joy in ways that sometimes weren't expected."
