On 30 June 2012 22:04, Julia Macmahon <[email protected]> wrote:
Todays statistics show that more that 60% of couples have problems in procreating...and have infertility problems. Statistics also show many many children waiting to be adopted... so you should be encouraging this rather than maligning it! COMMENT: a: while I am not very sure what Julia means by "problems in procreating", I seriously doubt that scientifically accurate statistics exist that 60% of couples have 'fertility' problems. b: It is true that there are many childless couples who long to have their own children, and many orphans who yearn for loving and caring parents. All the posts (on GN) on this topic make valid points. As expected, they bring interesting personal perspectives to the fore. I applaud all the writers for writing so well and with such passion. Bravo! I will add a few general points - based on my experience with children and their parents (natural and adopted): 1: Many young (and not so young) parents are not necessarily prepared for the 'reality of parenthood' which will change their lives forever. For some, it might mean sleepless nights and anxiety when the child is ill, For others, it might mean giving up one's job to stay (albeit temporarily) to care for the new arrival. 2: While many communities (esp in US, Canada, Portugal etc) are getting progressively multicultural, the same is not necessarily so wrt Asian and South Asian communities even in the above mentioned countries. And when one considers the prejudice that exists wrt caste in Indian communities, I am not sure HOW these adopted children will fare within the family and within the community at large. 3: It is often a difficult situation; difficult for the parents and also for the children. 4: A major issue is likely to turn up - at the time of high school, dating and marriage. Thanks to all the writers for an interesting discussion. jc
