Wow! This is really an interesting story.

My brother is mentally and physically disabled. He is 34 years old, is 5' 3" tall and weighs 150 pounds. He is blind and unable to speak. He is ambulatory, but with assistance. He requires assistance with all ADLs. He wears Depends 24/7, but is on a toileting schedule. He's stubborn as hell and very abstinent and near impossible to lift on your own. When he's not cooperating, it takes three men to move him. If you startle him, he throws a great right hook. And his nails must be kept short otherwise they're half of an inch into your flesh. He has been beaten and both physically and sexually abused by his caretakers. We do not have the means or the skills required to care for him.

I once asked my mom if she knew he was going to be like this, if she would have had an abortion. Her reply? "Yes."

My point of talking about him is that he is extremely difficult (for lack of a better word) to care for. I tried working in an assisted living facility and couldn't do it. I worked in a house of 3 women. The times during their menstruation's was nauseating. Caring for yourself at this time of month is a pain in and of itself. Dealing with someone else's menses is in a league of its own. I am able to communicate my pain and discomfort, they hit, bit, kicked and scratched.

I can't imagine having to make these kinds of decisions for an ill child. I pray that I will never know what these people are going through. I will say this, though, having a hysterectomy doesn't guarantee no sexual abuse will come to this poor child. It just means there will be no evidence left behind if it does happen.

Richard, I understand feeling strongly about something, but I feel you're being a little defensive.

But this comment put me over the edge:
Quote Originally Posted by RICHARD
Because I don't have indoor plumbing that makes me unable to feel?


Geez, that smacks of sexism....just a little bit.

It seems that I always get hit with that argument.

I guess I am not entitled to an opinion because of my genetic makeup...sorry.
How is it that you can complain about sexism when you post this in a different thread?

Quote Originally Posted by RICHARD
Madam Speaker,

Men and women are created equal... until you try to keep your shoes dry doing Number 1!
Why is that always a measure of equality?

I can't say I would or wouldn't do things differently if I was in this couple's shoes. I'll never know. Neither will you.