Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Disturbing




Wow. During an interview, Virgina Ironside, an advice columnist in the UK, speaks of smothering a child to death to alleviate their suffering if there is nothing else that can be done. "My feeling of horror, suffering, is much greater than my feeling of getting rid of a couple of cells because suffering can go on for years." And then when the host suggests it was horrifying what Ms. Ironside suggested about smothering a child, Ironside asks, "What?" as if she's confused that what she could be considered horrifying? Wow. I'm speechless. I love my little Samantha more than anything, and I am certainly not among the mothers Ms. Virginia Ironside refers to who would want to do such a thing. Not at all. Samantha is far more than a couple of cells to me and a lot of other people.

I've read some reports on it...read the full argument which was about abortion. Her argument is that abortion could be a form of compassion for "unwanted" children. Ok. She's pro-choice (though since we're there, I want to say I really don't like that term. Wasn't the choice made before a child was conceived? I'm pro-choice too...pro make-choices-and-be-accountable-for-them. But that's a whole other argument and before I get some angry comments about this...I strongly believe there are exceptions for rape, incest...but I'm not going there right now) But even if she's pro-choice, it's hurtful to me that she would put a disabled child in the same category as "unwanted." What is her definition of "suffering" or "deeply suffering"? She mentions these children who there's no hope for...no cure? Well, that would be Samantha. It's just disturbing to me.

Look, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but it strikes me rather hard when the opinions and comments refer to my children. I cannot imagine my life without Samantha. She definitely is here for a purpose. She, and many other disabled, delayed, and "special needs" children, are apart of a much greater plan that I think Ms. Ironside is unable to see.
I know there must be others out there who feel the same way...who are quietly supporting her...but to them, I say "Look at Samantha in the eyes. Look at her face. Look at her smile. Look at the joy in her and our life." Maybe, just maybe one of those people will be convinced that we are all more than just a few cells.

5 comments:

The Bobos said...

Wow, that is just awful. How horrible of a woman to think that. On a brighter note, I found an adoption story that I thought you'd like to read. Here's the link:
http://www.honeybearlane.com/2010/10/adopting-boston-guest-post.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HoneybearLane+%28Honeybear+Lane%29

So while they are some horrible people in this world, it is reassuring to know that there are also wonderful and inspiring people as well. (Hem hem like YOU!)

Caleb and Jessica Sainsbury said...

Well said.

Becky said...

She obviously needs help. Anyone that can be that flippant about smothering a child is SICK! I'm speechless.

Shian said...

How horrifying! I consider myself a good mom and I can tell you I certainly wouldn't do that. I really don't even think it would cross my mind. It's not my place to decide when someone has suffered enough. I'll leave that to the Lord who knows a lot more about suffering than any of us.

And she's an advice columnist? I'm not taking any advice from her.

Melanie said...

That is appalling. Ugh, so sad some people can feel that way!

I just came across this wonderful video of a speech given by an abortion survivor (I didn't even know some survive!): http://www.facebook.com/joan.j.olson?ref=ts#!/video/video.php?v=158348990848143

One quote I like from it:
"There are things you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us. And when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses; The Lord looks after them, but you are the one that will suffer."

It is amazing how people who come into this life with physical or mental difficulties or "special needs" are here to bless our lives and inspire us, help us, and be an example for us. We would really do well to watch them and learn from them!

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