Nikki Watson Advocate, Writer, Speaker + Oi Awareness

Since receiving a prenatal diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) with our fourth child, I am an advocate for OI awareness, education, medical care and support. It is my goal to educate medical professionals on excellent and appropriate medical care for both mother and baby born with severe OI. Disability bias exists in the genetic counseling space and it's my goal to create awareness about this lack of representation, as well as encourage medical professionals to stop using lethal language and directive care when a baby is diagnosed in utero with OI or any other rare condition, without the proper research and reference to families who are living with the condition(s). It is my goal to provide education for medical professionals and families who are considering birth options when a prenatal diagnosis is present. I am a birth advocate for the rights of birthing mothers and encourage informed consent when the trend is to provide none. Through partnership with The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, Inc. (OI Foundation), the only voluntary national health organization dedicated to helping people cope with the problems associated with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, I plan on moving this education and awareness forward in my community and those in the OB, Genetics, + Neonatal communities.