What concerns me about this story is a little aside from the purpose of the article.
Sometimes we are eager to be critical of people with an intellectual disability or
mental illness who are permitted to become parents. We go on about their limited
ability to properly care for children and we argue that something needs to be done
about it. But there is no screening process to assess whether so called "normal"
people are fit and have the capacity to be safe and loving parents.
To suggest that she may have agreed to her children being immunised for the
money and that she makes her partner live elsewhere so they can both get the single
parent supplement, suggests money is central to her values as a parent. But what
about the health of her children and the impact of not having her partner share
the tough responsibilities and be present in the children's home environment
and lives. Isn't health, safety, happiness and a future that which a "normal"
parent would want and try to nurture for their children?
I realise I am somewhat making assumptions about this woman. But for me the article
caused alarm bells about the destiny of the children, especially if she does go on
and add more to the family number. But I bet you no one in authority will intervene
and/or question her fitness or capacity to make responsible decisions about having
more babies. Raising just one child is a mammoth and challenging responsibility,
even for the best and well intentioned people!
