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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Italian Hospital A*orts "Wrong" Twin

I came across this story earlier this week via my bloglines feed. As many feeds as I've had on this story I guess it's been spreading like wildfire.

It's a sad story indeed.

Here are 2 links to the story: Italian Hospital A*orts Healthy Twin and Leaves Handicapped Sibling and this one: L'Osservatore Condemns Twin Abortion in Italy

(there are a few things in the articles I don't agree with - such as just because a baby has Down syndrome doesn't mean they aren't healthy, but this isn't about how the article is written, but instead what the article is about.)

Here's the recap. A woman was pregnant with twin girls. She found out one of the twins had Down syndrome and went in to a*ort that twin. Somehow between the time of the u/s and the actual procedure the twins moved and changed places. The twin without Down syndrome was a*orted. The woman found out later the "wrong" twin was a*orted (not clear on how she found out as neither article goes into detail) and went back to have that twin a*orted. One article says she was 18 weeks along, the other says the twins were in the 3rd month of gestation - not sure which is accurate.

I don't mean to sound crass, uncaring, cold-hearted, or cynical, because I'm sure this woman is hurting and devastated to have neither child, but I have to wonder - was it worth it? Was it worth it to not want one twin so badly because she had Down syndrome that she had to a*ort it and now has lost both of her babies? She had two precious baby girls she could have welcomed into the world, and now they are both gone.

Sad.

What else I find sad is if the twin with Down syndrome was a*orted the first time, this story would have never made news. It happens every day and it's acceptable, the media wouldn't have reported, "Woman pregnant with twins a*orts baby with Down syndrome." But because the precious baby without Down syndrome was wrongly terminated it became newsworthy.

Sad indeed.

Here is a quote from Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Pontifical Commission for Life.

He said: "All of us have to feel involved in this and many other cases that are repeated every day, to take on a new and different commitment for the respect of human life from its first moment, because these little ones share in the same dignity we have. And in the case that they have some sort of sickness, that simply means that they have more motive to be helped."

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42 comments:

Julie Julie Bo Boolie said...

I can't imagine terminating a pregnancy just because a child has Down. That's just so unreal to me.

How very sad for all involved but mostly for a culture that would make it ok to kill a baby just because they're different :(

RK said...

This makes me sick...not that they all don't when people choose to kill their children...but how terribly sad. You make a good point about how it wouldn't have been news if they'd have done it "right" the first time. Makes me feel so helpless.

Dori (Aviva's mommy) said...

It is so very sad...it really upsets me to hear this.

I feel very upset that anyone could do this.

Ms. Kathleen said...

Wow, that is just the saddest thing and to also read how the Italian gov't made a 13 year old have an abortion... Her parents forced her and she had no say so at all...Not even to go to a home for unwed mothers so the baby could be adopted out!

I just don't and never will understand it and I can't imagine the pain these women must go through when the realization of what they have done hits them. But, I will be there to offer prayer and a shoulder for them.

God Bless You and thanks for sharing what I know is so very painful a topic.

Beck said...

The whole story is just horrifying.

Leanne said...

What a heartbreaking situation... I think sometimes our idol of what a "perfect" baby and a "perfect" family look like, has distorted our perception of just the preciousness of life itself. I have always had a heart for Down Syndrome children. To me they are small angels that God sends to remind us of our need to care for one another! You are truly blessed, Michelle!! Thanks for the article.

Sandra said...

This is so sad, I just don't understand.

Anonymous said...

That is just sad....

Robin Green said...

Oh, Michelle, that is the saddest thing I have heard. I'm so sorry there are people in the world who would do such a thing--and you are right, it never would have made the news if a mistake hadn't been made. On another note, I have just finished reading "The Memory Keeper's Daughter", and am curious to know if you have read it and what your thoughts were.

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

The whole thing brings tears to my eyes. I agree with the Bishop. My heart breaks for the both the children.

Corey~living and loving said...

oh how sad. I agree that the part that saddens me most is the fact that if the "correct" baby has been aborted.....none of this would have made interesting news. :( sad sad sad....

Shannon @ Gabi's World said...

Disgusting! Just makes me ill!

Melanie D. said...

So sad.

Jessica said...

Sickening. This is wrong on so many levels. Not only has she killed both of her unborn children but she has robbed herself, her family, her community of two lives that would have made a difference in this world. It's ironic because she went to the authorities/went public to say "These doctors killed my baby" and then she went on to abort the other one. It's like that baby had value but the one with DS didn't. I am truly stunned. It is clear that our world has a long way to go in recognizing diversity and respecting all human life. As a mother of 2 girls, one who has DS, I know I will never rest until I touch as many people as I can by raising awareness about Down syndrome. Our life has been greatly enriched by our daughter and she is a happy, healthy, joyful 7 year-old.

Tammy said...

AMEN to the quote and to you for tackling this topic!
:)

Sue said...

These articles made me sick to my stomach. I can't fathom it. And to go back to "finish the job"? The whole thing is just callous. My heart breaks for those babies. I can't say I have any sympathy for the mother. Kayla is SO lucky to have you and Joe!

Annie said...

Unbelievable.

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking on this all day long.

Leslie said...

Oh, Michelle. This is so sad. I hadn't heard about it...

Oh, so sad, so sad.

♥ ♥

Anonymous said...

This is just so sad. She was blessed with two beautiful twin girls. This story makes me sad and at the same time it sicken me.Like you have said before on your blog there are a lot of people out there that would love to adopt child with downs. She could of choose life. I just don't understand how anyone could think of terminating just because they found out a baby has down. I look at Kayla and how beautiful she is. You really have such a wonderful fun little girl. I think if more people saw Kayla and heard your story life would be chosen.All children are a blessing from God.
love ya,
mimi

Michelle said...

I saw your post in my search for others hurt by this story. This morning when I read it, I cried for half an hour. Then I wrote this poem, which gave me a little comfort. Hope it does you, too.

No Greater Love

The Lord commanded
"No greater love.."
2 sisters, one mother
and God above

One baby "defective"
the other less so
decreed the mother
"the defective one goes."

One baby was stronger
but she was a twin
she knew it was coming
and turned to Him

"I'm scared, Lord,"
she whispered
"What is happening here?
If mommy won't spare her
my choice must be clear."

"I'm her sister, her keeper
she has done no wrong.
Dear God, please help us,
let me be strong."

Tenderly, gently,
she squeezed into the space
protecting her sister
by taking her place.

"I love you," she said
to her sister so dear
"Tell Mommy I loved her
when she sees I'm not here."

"Be safe, and be strong,
live your life with pride
I'll be watching from Heaven",
the stronger twin cried.

Then selflessly giving
her life for her twin,
she cowered in fear
as the Doctor moved in.

She was in God's arms
when she felt a tear
when she looked at Him
it all became clear.

"Greater love," said He
"No one has shown.
Your sacrifice spared her
but not for long."

"The Doctor's think they erred
and now they are going back in
dear girl, today
they will kill your twin."

So they sat in silence,
looking down on the world,so small.
Lost in insanity,
disbelieving it all.

God lifted her up,
said "For her we will wait.
But after she comes,
we are locking the Gate."

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

I think this is what happens when a person (or persons) starts to believe in what "man" sees as perfect and forgets that which GOD sees as perfect.

So, so sad.

Shelley said...

Oh Michelle that story makes me so sad. What a great loss - and one the mother may never even realise that she has had. I could not imagine my twins being any different to what they are - and they are (and I am SO not biased here!!!) BOTH absolutely gorgeous.

Laura said...

Yuck, this story just makes me sad & angry. I hope this woman can heal with the guilt she must have.

Karen said...

I've never understood how someone could kill their own child, no matter what was "wrong" with it. I agree - was it worth it?

Anonymous said...

My Dad was a twin. His brother passed away before they turned one. He always has had a piece of himself missing. How selfish of the parents to take away part of their child!

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

Devastating. Hearing this type of thing makes my heart hurt. I liked what Horton had to say about the "Who's" - "a person's a person no matter how small." Or how many chromosomes they posses. I bet sometimes they are even wrong about a baby having Down Syndrome. Not that it should matter a bit. Little girls and a mother who never had a chance to reach their potential.

-Andrea

A Captured Reflection said...

It just breaks your heart doesn't it? I heard a similar story to this some years back of scans being mixed up, and a 'healthy' baby was aborted. So sad.

Carole Burant said...

Oh Michelle, I hadn't heard of this story but it is indeed very sad! How anyone could abort one twin, no matter what was wrong with it, just doesn't make sense to me. The truly sad part of all this is that it goes on every day in all parts of the world.

Eden said...

Sad indeed! What is are world coming to?

Tammy said...

What a sad thing indeed...:(

Unknown said...

Oh Michelle,
This is one of the saddest things I have ever heard. Just AWFUL!!!!!!! And from reading your blog and feeling close to "Blueberry Eyes", it especially sickens and hurts me. I wonder what's going on in that lady's heart right now. This has to permanently alter her life and I wonder if this event will force her to really think deeply about issues she may not have before.

Calico Sky said...

This is so sad, not for the reasons I am sure most people think...
Sigh, I think you are right, there is some sort of 'what is worth it' that comes to mind...Before I read they chose to terminate twin2, I wondered if it would make them change their mind...
I'll be praying over this one...

Linda said...

That is just a heartbreaking story Michelle. It does seem though that with the way things are these days it was almost inevitable. How it must hurt the heart of God.

Ashley said...

I loved my children before I knew anything about them. I knew nothing of their physical, spiritual, or emotional traits. I only knew they were mine, I was blessed beyond words to concieve such wonderful blessings. It always breaks my heart when others do not feel the same way.

Anonymous said...

I'm at a loss what to write....


A very sad post.

Anonymous said...

Michelle that is disgusting - seriously. I had not even heard that but then I don't watch news for exactly this reason. I am glad I found it though, because it made me really think.
This is my first time at your blog. I kinda kept clicking links on others blogs and saw "Big Blueberry Eyes" and it made me think of my own children. Your daughter is gorgeous. She is absolutely beautiful. I love all those pics down the left side.
And I love her big blueberry eyes!
Great blog and I will definitely be back!

Renee said...

Michelle,

I read this and just cried. It is so sad, so heart breaking.

Courtney said...

Sad story. Very sad. I myself could never give up a child. For any reason. Every child is a blessing. Your right though it would have never made news. That in my opinion is just wrong.

Trace said...

Ohh... those poor babies. :( This is a really sad story...

Arizona mom to eight said...

This truly saddens me, it is an emotion I cannot relate to. I know 3 families with twins, one with DS and one without. I cannot imagine them only having one of their children.

K.T. is Mommatude said...

That is unbelievable!I cant even imagine ones thought processes to do such!