3-Feet Tall Woman Gives birth to healthy baby
With all due respect to the Vasquez’s, I’m frustrated that their story is considered news. While her doctor is amazed at the birth, it would be far more accurate to remind the public that women with disabilities give birth every day, even women with “rare” and “fatal” disabilities for whom pregnancy is “risky”. If the doctor had expanded his world view and done that, we would not be reading the story, because ordinary typical events are not news.
Also troubling about these stories is the quick report that the infant did not inherit his mother’s disability. Would his value be any less? Would the infant be any less cherished? Does the reporter plan on chastizing the mother for daring to have a child with a disability?
I am reminded of Bree Walker and the public outcry that resulted when it was learned the popular newscaster’s children had inherited her disability. When thinking of reproductive freedom, most people think of the right of women to not to have children. For women with disabilities, including Eloysa Vasquez, reproductive rights means the routine fight for the right to have children. I’m saddened that Ms. Vasquez feels obligated to disclose private medical information about her newborn son, but given the fight she had just to be allowed to continue her pregnancy, I can’t blame her for not wanting to continue the fight after her son is born.
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