Then, tonight, I surf the internet, reading about current affairs and the goings on of other Earthlings.
And now I'm at a loss.
I came across a couple's blog, BirthOrNot.com, detailing not only their pregnancy, but how they are allowing the public to decide whether they should keep the baby, referred to as "Wiggles", or have an abortion.
They are running a poll. A poll! A public vote which will determine if life should be "allowed".
I have read a few snippets around the internet, and there are rumours that this is a stunt.
Possibly.
I hope it is.
It may be a "pro life" campaign. It may spark discussion, with a political agenda.
But if it is genuine, then what? Should a couple, if they are willing to do something like this, be allowed to be responsible for the life they seem almost apathetic about? Can they be trusted? What would be next? Should they leave the kid alone for a weekend or not? Should they feed him / her raw meat or not?
The couple, Pete and Alisha, have a history of unsuccessful pregnancies. This further raises the question in my mind as to why they would then potentially abort a child who may be %100 healthy. Are they mad? Are they selfish?
On their site, a brief explanation is given, covering such justifications as voting is part of American identity, and that now the public has a true opportunity to vote and have a real, tangible outcome of that vote. The value of life seems to go unrecognised.
If it is not a stunt, the vote will run until 7th of December. This will allow the couple 2 days to arrange the abortion, and so stay within the legal abortion term (in Minnesota) of 20 weeks.
Like I said, I hope it is a stunt. I don't have much faith in the public when it comes to something like this. I heard a great phrase many years ago - "The masses are asses!"
My own personal views on abortion are fairly simple for such a complex issue. I believe in informed choice. The decision, if one is to be made, should be made by those directly involved - the parents. My hope is that a mother and/or father, however the circumstances play out, receive all necessary information and counselling before they come to a decision. And hopefully receive ongoing support thereafter.
For some people, abortion may be the right choice. Adoption is an option for others. Fostering could work for some, giving time and space to possibly acclimatise and adjust to having a child.
The important thing, I think, is to realise that we are all different. It is dangerous to have a black and white view of a topic that is several shades of gray.
I do believe life is important. That is why I became a nurse. But, ultimately, the mother has the final say in how her life pans out.
It isn't an easy topic to talk about. There are no easy answers. I know some of you out there will have personal experience of this issue. I can't really imagine how difficult it must be to be in such a difficult situation.
If you are in such a situation, or know someone who is, perhaps these links will help:
Abortion Help
Marie Stopes International
2 comments:
There is nothing like having a much wanted child born 3 months prematurely to change a mind on this subject. My son was born at 28 weeks. He weighed 2lbs, 5oz. Today, he is a healthy and happy almost 13 year old.
What is wrong with people who would do such a poll?
ETW, I'm glad it all worked out with your son.
If this poll is not a stunt, I think they must be unbalanced. Very sad indeed.
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