I was just reading about the California Octuplets born this week and how their mother has 6 children already under the age of 7 and is single/never married. Her mother stated in an interview that her daughter has been obsessed with having children since she was a teenager. Okay - so we can establish the woman may have some issues.
But.....the responses to the articles I read by other readers were absolutely disgusting. I actually feel sick about the reaction that many of my fellow "Americans" had and then put into print. Some said she should have "killed" those babies before they were born! Some were simply condemning of her decision to even have another baby and others were outright ignorant. The feeling I got was a witch hunt was underway and it wouldn't stop until those babies and the other 6 were in state custody.
Do you honestly think that this woman is not overwhelmed? Of course she is. Does anyone offer to help her? No. Instead it's all about ME - none of this affects any of us. Why we think that once the media grabs ahold of a story that it automatically becomes a part of our lives, is ridiculous. We have no control or input, or influence over this situation, so why not just offer up your prayers for those kids and that woman that she can deal with her life, or find the resources to manage?
I have friends who had embryos frozen from doing IVF and they felt the same way as this woman - those are babies on ice. They deserved a chance to live and they couldn't destroy them or donate them - they were their children. Those babies are four year old twins today. This woman had the same ordeal. She respected life. She cherished it and chose to protect it - all we are doing is crucifying her for it.
I'm not condoning her lifestyle - it's not mine. I'm not saying that I don't find it hard to wrap my brain around wanting that many children, but people do. No one condemns the infamous Duggers in Arkansas or the beloved John and Kate plus 8. Why? Because they have a mommy and a Daddy? So, if the mysterious sperm donor would show up and stand by Mommy of 14's side, all would be well? Truth be told, most likely.
I have to believe there are reasons well beyond our means of understanding that this woman was blessed with so many children and others struggle to conceive but one baby. I have to believe that a greater plan is in store for her and all of us. It's called faith and it was so lacking in all the comments I read.
Pray for that family because condemning them is a waste of energy and benefits no one.
Stepping off my soap box now.....
2 comments:
The thing that bothers me about this whole story is the irresponsibility of it all, which I blame mostly on the fertility doctor, who really should not have implanted so many embryos in the first place. It was very high risk and endangered not only the mother's health but the babies as well. It seems there are just too many fertility clinics out there who really don't care about your situation, they just want your money. I do agree with you in that I really do hope she is able to get assistance in raising the children, because it is really not their fault that their mother is irresponsible and has some kind of mental issue. I will however admit I am also a bit uncomfortable with the fact that she hired a PR firm and is trying to get all these interviews and book deals... I feel it is exploiting the children to some extent, however the other side of the coin is that she does need the money which will actually help the children. Hopefully that is what she will use the money for.
Very well stated, Angie. I think this case is disturbing to everyone and it will be interesting to see how it progresses in the near future.
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