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DISABILITY The news that an unborn child may have an abnormality or serious illness can be devastating. We all hope that our children will be healthy and grow up to lead fulfilled lives, but a diagnosis of disability or illness can shatter these hopes. Initially, parents may suffer grief and bewilderment. Parents may feel overwhelmed by the implications for the child and for the family. Parents face special difficulties when their child’s condition is said to be “incompatible with life”, for example, anencephaly (an abnormality in brain development). These babies are usually not dying in the womb; their condition is only “incompatible with life” in the sense that they are likely to die at birth, or within hours or days of birth. These children deserve the same unconditional respect as any other unborn child. For their parents, the time leading up to birth, though marked by sadness can be a time of caring and bonding with their child, who will always remain precious in their eyes.Encourage women to take time to think, reflect, pray and to ask questions instead of being rushed towards making a decision. Support for parents at this time is crucial. With appropriate support, people with disability can and do live fulfilled and valued lives. It might be helpful to make contact with those who can help to paint a more realistic picture about life with disability. Contact:
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“Walking with Love” is an initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference for Pastoral Life |