Where Do We Draw the Line?

       

  Richard has been watching several reruns from the 70’s.  We were watching a “Quincy” with the topic of down syndrome and ignorance.  It reminded me a bit of the controversy of abortion.  My obstetrician had advised me (or maybe suggested) that I might want to consider an abortion given my age and the statistics that made it probable that I would be carrying a child with down syndrome. 

        I remember feeling resentment at the suggestion.  So what?  If my child had down syndrome he or she would still be a blessing to our family.  God entrusted the baby into my care and I would definitely care for him or her.  It wouldn’t have mattered.  I would have loved the child regardless.  We have been so blessed with Jaime who does not have down syndrome. 

        Regardless of their physical appearance or their ability to quickly process information, they are still human beings with feelings and purpose.  I rue the ignorance of others who won’t even try to understand or show compassion toward others regardless of circumstance.  Treat others in the same manner that you would like to be treated.

        The next Quincy that we watched featured an individual with schizophrenia who was institutionalized and had escaped the institution to return to the home of his family where he killed all family members except for his mom who wasn’t present.  He, of course, didn’t remember doing it.  It was another personality.  His lawyer was going to try and get him off “due to insanity” – really?  We’re going to free someone because of insanity?  Doesn’t every act of murder involve some degree of insanity?  And if that be the reason, wouldn’t that said individual be more of a threat?  People like that shouldn’t be set free! 

And yet, just as the down syndrome or kabuki syndrome individual, they are all children of God.  It’s not their fault they are mentally out there – but I would be in favor of aborting those who kill for the “sport” of it – those who have turned guns on innocent people in Chicago, Texas, Las Vegas, Sandy Hooks . . .  where does it end?  I am in Favor of aborting those that turn out like Hitler and Putan.  But how do you know?  How do you know when they haven’t been born yet? 

So where do we draw the line?  Who is it that decides who lives or dies? Or how our tax money is spent?  Why are we putting them in prison and spending money to feed them?  I mean the ones who have been caught in the act of crime – although I suppose most of those ended up turning the gun on themselves and now are having to answer on the other side.  I know that mental illness exists.  I have been hurt by people who on experimental medication – though not physically.  I wouldn’t want to kill or abort them because overall they are good people who feel and care and show compassion – when they are of sound mind to do so. 

I don’t wish to sound as though I am comparing the physical appearance, mentality, or syndromes to one another.  My intent is to express how each of us is human.  Each of us has some kind of challenge – though some challenges seem more obvious than others.  If we each have a soul, don’t we deserve to exist without others pointing fingers at us or making judgment calls (which I have done – obviously).  Where do we draw the line?