Pubdate: Tue, 14 Oct 2008
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2008 The StarPhoenix
Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Kieth Wieder

STERILIZE WOMEN WHO ABUSE DRUGS, ALCOHOL IN PREGNANCY

I read Unfit parents? (SP, Oct. 4), and although I feel some sympathy
for Barbara Gamble, I don't understand why she would keep getting
pregnant when she knows she isn't allowed to keep her babies.

How fair is it that a drug-using alcoholic has the right to churn out
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder babies because she doesn't have the
resources or the will to take birth control? In all probability, those
children will end up in jail or in the welfare system, having more
FASD children. Either way, the taxpayer foots the bill.

I think if a woman has two children with FASD or it's proven that she
was doing drugs during her pregnancy, she should have her tubes tied.
I know some people will be appalled by this idea and say it's a
violation of the mother's rights, but if you make the same mistake
over and over, you give up your rights.

If they dry out and clean up their act, let them take care of the kids
they already have. I know of a mother who has 13 FASD children and is
still abusing alcohol and drugs and getting pregnant. At what number
do you think we should say that's enough?

Kieth Wieder

Martensville
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