prejudging people II

[ali_alic]

This not supposed to be a heavy debate but this email also did its rounds today : "If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally handicapped, and she had syphilis....would you recommend that she have an abortion?" This is a hyperthetical questions so don't get too deep, but what would you advise?

[WaldoMcFroog]

Some babies infected with syphilis are born prematurely. Many infected babies have no symptoms at birth, but symptoms develop weeks or months later. Problems in newborns with syphilis may include:

swollen lymph nodes
enlarged liver and spleen
growth retardation
birth defects (for example, problems with the eyes or central nervous system)
bone problems
blisterlike rash
yellowish skin (jaundice)
anemia
dental problems.
Some babies are dead at birth.

Regardless of the example you're likely to give 'Aahh - you would have killed Jesus!' or whatever, yes, a responsible doctor would at least offer the option.

[saffstar]

I don't think I'd recommend it, but I'd certainly give her the facts about the likely outcome & ask her to seriously consider it. I would, however, strongly recommend that she stop making babies.

[ICEMANSAV]

Three kids are deaf... two kids are blind..... and one.... retarded... boy and just a syphilis infection for me! Sorry couldn't resist with the build up to Christmas and all. But yeah you would have to have have words about her choices!

[zgma]

I'd ask her how she felt about the option, give her the chances of the new baby being disabled, and any other information I felt she needed to know. Then I'd talk to her about contraception.

[MrsCheeks]

Hmmmmm tricky one ... its either Albert Enistein or Beethoven that is the baby in question!!

[MrsCheeks]

Einstein I mean rofl.

[MrsCheeks]

seeing as we cant award ratings for questions as yet (hint hin Eds lol) I give ali_alic the following for his question ....... ************************* lol

[bernardo]

I've heard this one before, but I can't remember if the answer is Beethoven or Mozart.

[ali_alic]

Welldone MrsCheeks - it was Beethoven!! Alison

[incuriam]

Yes, I think you should have an abortion.

[jenstar]

I think people who post contrived questions as a point-scoring exercise shouldn't be allowed to breed.

[ali_alic]

Who's scoring points Jenstar? We're just having fun - oh and by the way you'll be pleased to know I can't "breed"

[secretspirit]

I would never 'recommend' anyone to have any abortion - it's up to her to decide. Did I evade the question well? ;-)