In the third world children born with disabilities are often left by the side of the road to die. I can not imagine being so distraught or having so little hope that I would leave a child to die.
It would not be fair for me to judge those who have nothing. Those who eek out a day to day existence. Those who are in such abject poverty that they literally have no hope.
Do not misunderstand, I can not and do not condone their actions. A child deserves to live. A child deserves a chance no matter what his or her abilities.
It is just that this has become almost common place in many parts of the world. Of course it can never happen here. Americans would never abandon their children out of despair.
Wrong – It is happening here.
A 10-year-old child with autism was abandoned at Broward General Medical Center in Florida. The mother has been located. She says she was “overwhelmed” and didn’t know what else to do.
Again can we judge this poor mother? The budget to provide services continues to be cut. Raising a child is difficult; raising one with a disability is even harder.
She saw no hope for the future. Of course she saw that. The waiting list to receive services for the disabled is approaching 20,000.
Our government has told us the disabled are unimportant. They have told us they are throw-aways that can be ignored. Our government has told us they do not matter.
One mother got the message loud and clear.
We can not continue to ignore the needs or the most vulnerable.
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