Starting a family is a cherished journey for many married couples, a decision often made together at the start of their marriage. But for some, the path to parenthood is accompanied by unique challenges and outside judgment. This is the case for Charli Worgan and her husband, Cullen, who live in Sydney and both have different forms of dwarfism. Despite the love and support they’ve built for their family, they frequently face criticism for their choice to have children.

Charli and Cullen, now parents to two daughters, have embraced social media as a way to share their family’s experiences and raise awareness about their life. Since welcoming their first child, Charli has been candid about their parenting journey online, quickly amassing a following of over 300,000 people. Recently, she announced on social media that she and Cullen were expecting their third child, now at 14 weeks. While the news excited many of their followers, others responded with skepticism.

Because of the unique genetic factors in their family, Charli undergoes thorough genetic testing during each pregnancy. These tests help determine whether their child will inherit dwarfism or both types that she and Cullen each carry. Experts have cautioned them about the risks of a condition known as “double dominant dwarfism,” which is a severe and potentially life-threatening genetic combination.

At the 12-week mark, instead of sharing the typical celebratory pregnancy updates, Charli had to undergo a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test. This procedure involves inserting a needle through her abdomen to collect a sample of the placenta for genetic testing. While the test provides valuable information about the baby’s genetics, it also carries a 2% risk of miscarriage, making it a difficult choice for any expecting parent. Charli’s motivation to take this step stems from a desire to understand the health of her baby and what genetic traits may be present.

Charli and Cullen’s two daughters, aged two and four, each have one of their parents’ respective forms of dwarfism. With their third pregnancy, the couple is facing four potential outcomes:

1. The baby could be of average height with no dwarfism.
2. The baby could inherit Charli’s form of dwarfism, known as Achondroplasia.
3. The baby could inherit Cullen’s type, Geleophysic Dysplasia.
4. The baby could inherit both genetic conditions, leading to “double dominant dwarfism,” a diagnosis that experts warn is fatal. In this scenario, Charli and Cullen would have the option to continue or end the pregnancy based on their doctor’s recommendations.

Though they encounter negative comments for sharing their family’s journey publicly, Charli views their openness as a way to inspire kindness and resilience. She wants to show that, despite the challenges, they’ve built a thriving family and are willing to share that joy with others.

Today, Charli and Cullen have three beautiful children, and they continue to share their family’s milestones and everyday moments with their online community. Their journey speaks to the power of love, resilience, and the courage to overcome obstacles together. Wishing them continued joy and strength in the years to come.