Opposing Views says this story first made news in July 2022. Citing the New York Post, the outlet reports that Brooke Atkins, 33, in Australia sought laser treatment for her infant son Kingsley’s port-wine stain after doctors diagnosed him with glaucoma and Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Doctors linked the eye-area mark to serious conditions
According to Opposing Views, Atkins said her son was born in January with a prominent red birthmark covering part of his face around one eye. Doctors warned the family that port-wine stains near the eye can be associated with glaucoma and Sturge-Weber syndrome. The family says Kingsley was diagnosed with both, and they began laser treatments in late May on doctors’ recommendation.
Atkins said specialists at Queensland Children’s Hospital told them the purpose of the procedures was not simply cosmetic, but to help maintain the health of the affected skin and prevent additional complications.
Online criticism and a mother’s response
After Atkins began sharing her son’s medical journey online, Opposing Views reports that she faced criticism from strangers. Some questioned whether a baby should undergo laser treatment; others accused her of making a harmful choice on his behalf.
Atkins said the comments caused significant “mum guilt” and made her second-guess herself, despite following medical guidance. The outlet also notes that supporters rallied to praise her for advocating for her son and highlighting potential health risks tied to port-wine stains.
Heavy medical load in the first months
Opposing Views reports that, according to Atkins, Kingsley saw numerous specialists and underwent scans, hearing tests, operations, and laser sessions in his first six months. She said he responded positively to treatment, with another laser appointment planned for August 2022.
As framed by the family in Opposing Views’ account, the case underscores the hard choices parents face when acting on medical advice—and the risk of judging those choices without the full clinical picture.
