Chandra White-Cummings

Day 40: In My Own Words

I have a 21-year old son. If it would have been up to some misguided “medical professionals” years ago, he might never have been born.

Imagine if you can, a young wife who finds out she’s pregnant with her first child. She and her husband had been told that if they wanted to conceive, they needed to start working on it with all expediency. And now she was expecting. Because of the medical history of the parents, the gynecologist suggested they go for a genetic counseling session, which they agreed to do. They figured knowing of any conditions or abnormalities ahead of time would help them prepare for how to care for their new baby. So the appointment was arranged.

Of course they were nervous as they sat waiting to talk to the genetic counselor. Who wouldn’t be? But their nerves turned to shock and disbelief as they listened to this supposed expert not only explain about the possible inherited disease their child could have, but also put forth her opinion about what they should do with this information. This couple listened as this woman told them their child, if he in fact had this disease, could experience a host of problems and complications that would seriously decrease the quality-clearly she meant value-of his life. Therefore, the best thing to do would be to terminate this pregnancy.

After all these years, I can’t believe how I still feel about that incident. Forget the fact that they had no concern or compassion for two people excited about the birth of their first child. How dare anyone presume to speculate about the ‘quality’ of someone’s life. Are they living that person’s life? Do they know how it will feel to raise that child? No. Yet they sit on their high horse of so-called reproductive justice and pronounce doom and gloom without batting an eye. Thank God I didn’t listen to that nut.

Sorry, my resentment is showing…

I couldn’t believe that someone would tell me to abort a child based, not even on an existing condition, but on something that might not even happen. As it turns out, he does have a chronic condition, and he has had many challenges. But did that give anyone the right to counsel me, in the name of ‘health’ to take his life? See, this is what irritates so many of us in the pro-life arena. People say they’re all about women’s health, freedom, and rights. But I tell you my rights felt violated. I love women. I love children. I love families. I can say unequivocally that I am committed to helping women, children, and families understand that they are able to do and be more than the pseudo freedom fighters give them credit for. They can live and let live.

It’s been such a privilege and honor to write for these 40 days about something so close to my heart. Thanks to all of you who have read even one daily post. And thanks to Ed Gilbreath who took a chance and committed valuable cyber real estate to an issue that divides and polarizes the Black community. I appreciate his desire to bring understanding and for allowing me to try to do that.

Godspeed,

Chandra

Today concludes the 40 Days for Life campaign. Find out more about the campaign at the 40 Days for Life website.

1 Comment

cmt on December 30, 2011 at 4:41 pm

you’re not the first tale from the crypt concerning women of color who’ve been told in the doctor’s office, “you’re not pregnant – it’s just a piece of tissue we can remove right now,” OR, upon news of possibilities after genetic counseling are told it’s better to abort. those who didn’t, without exception gave birth to healthy babies who are doing fine. also – it has been noted that births of kids with downs syndrome are down 80%. guess why.

Embracing Life — Day 40

Day 40: In My Own Words

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