Writing on the Canadian National Post website, journalist and television personality Leslie Roberts says abortion may be an acceptable choice when a disability is diagnosed prenatally. Roberts is an anchor of Global Ontario’s Newshour.

Roberts’ comments were prompted by the recent news that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s infant son Trig had been diagnosed with Down syndrome before birth. Palin has been mentioned as a possible running mate for John McCain. (Earlier posts here.)

The parents with special needs children I’ve met can only be described as saints, but to paint all those who ended the pregnancy as cruel and irresponsible is unfair. Of those I’ve gotten to know there is a common confession: If they had to do it over again, many would consider ending the pregnancy. Not due to the burden, but for the sake of the child’s future.

… Most parents equip their children with the tools to take care of themselves once they leave the nest. Children with special needs have just that — special needs that require care, often for life. With their child denied the ability to learn how to take care of themselves, their parents live a life of not only devotion to their child’s every needs, but also of fear about who will care for them long term.

Before you judge someone who has turned to the medical community rather than their religious institution for guidance, understand that sometimes even the “bad choice” can be an acceptable one.

Roberts’ contact information: lroberts@globaltv.com

See response from Stephanie Meredith here.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 24th, 2008 at 9:27 am and is filed under Down syndrome, NOT2BEMISSED, abortion, commentary, prenatal diagnosis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post