Teen Deemed 'Not Bright Enough' to Keep Baby

Scottish teen Kerry Robertson, who is pregnant and has mild learning difficulties, was told by social workers this week that they believe she is not intelligent enough to care for her baby and that the child will be taken from her shortly after birth, the Telegraph reports .

Last month, Robertson, 17, was prevented from marrying her fiance Mark McDougall, 25, after officials claimed that she "did not understand the implications of getting married."

Scottish law states that a registrar may refuse to marry a couple if they believe one or both parties lack the mental capacity to understand what the institution of marriage is about.

Robertson is due in January and has been told that she will only be allowed a few hours with her baby, who she has already named Ben, before he is taken into foster care.

The couple is distressed over the news that they won't be able to raise their child.

"I couldn't believe it. I am so upset. I can't stop crying," Robertson said.

McDougall said he'd like to take on full responsibility for his son but claims that he is powerless because he and Robertson are not married. "Social Services are ruining our lives. As we are not married -- because social workers would not let us marry -- it seems I have no rights as a dad at all," he explained. "We feel helpless."

Robertson's grandmother has offered to raise the child, but McDougall said social services said it is unlikely the grandmother's application for custody will be accepted.

Stephen Moore, the council's executive director of social services, said, "Much of the work we do is governed by legislation. Complex decisions are made that balance risk and welfare while supporting people at times of personal or family need. We will always work with people for the best outcome for all involved."

In May, Rachel Pullen, a 24-year-old mother from Nottingham, England, claimed her 3-year-old daughter was taken away from her by social services when the child was just 6 months old because officials said she was "too stupid" to care for the child. Pullen is fighting the decision in the European Court of Human rights.