Wrongful Life? Is There Such a Thing?

*Warning - This may be a controversial topic and the views in this post are strictly that of the blog author.*


At the top of this blog, you'll see a box that searches through stories in the news that involve Cystic Fibrosis. I like to read those stories to keep up with everything that's going on in the CF world. This morning I was quite shocked when I read the headline "Parents of child with Cystic Fibrosis file lawsuit against medical professionals."
My initial thought was, "Really? This must just be a misleading title" Nope. It's exactly what it sounds like. Its an article about a couple who had prenatal screening done and all the tests came back 'normal', but when their child was born, he/she had CF. The parents claim that they "were previously excited about the prospects of raising a normal, healthy child, were prepared neither emotionally nor financially to raise and care for a child with cystic fibrosis."

Guess what, neither were my parents, but they did it! And they didn't sue anyone for it! Sure they struggled emotionally, and I know they had medical bills up the wazoo, but they took care of me and never once have I ever felt like they wished I was never born!
To think that someone would rather not have a child or be a parent just because their child isn't 'normal' just drives me up the wall. It makes me feel like they're saying that any person with a chronic illness, chromosomal defect, mental illness, or anything just a little different doesn't deserve to live a life. I'm sorry, but I feel like I'm a productive member of society, maybe even more-so than some 'normal' people I know. Sure, my parents and I are pretty lucky because of how healthy I've been, but that doesn't mean that those who are less healthy shouldn't be alive.

I'm going to stop it there before I go too far or get myself too upset over something I cannot control. I just thought I'd bring this article to your attention and maybe get your reaction/feelings on the topic. (I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I'm not trying to change yours, I'm just voicing mine!)
Do you think it's okay to sue the medical professionals after your child has been born 'abnormal'??

If you're interested in reading a fiction novel on this same topic, I strongly recommend reading "Handle With Care" by Jodi Picoult. It's about parents who have a daughter born with OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) and the struggles they face with her medical issues. It's controversial, but definitely very thought provoking.