Give it up and Try again!

Today my friend shared this on Facebook: http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20160508/19602690

In case you do not read Chinese or understand Cantonese, it is about a mother who gave birth to a girl with Down Syndrome 16 years ago. There were a lot of problems at the beginning, including heart defects and lung infections. The doctor told her to give the child up as 'bringing a child with Down Syndrome up is extremely difficult and you are still young and you can try again'. She refused to give up despite being abandoned by a husband who gambled away all the money, leaving her in debt, and having to give up a high pay job. She started another career while juggling with the demand of bringing up a child and now she has a business of her own. I really applaud this woman's perseverance but also lament the attitude of the doctor.

Give it up and try again! He was not the only one who say that. Remember Richard Dawkins? I am glad that so many people spoke out against that when he said that about a hypothetical case. I am not saying that parents should not be allowed to give their child up for adoption. The circumstance of each family is different. However, to give up and try again does carry the notion that babies or children are commodities and if he/she does not fit our need, we can just give it up and try again. Children, whatever the disabilities or abilities, are human beings. Yes, if the situation is difficult, adoption may be the best choice. However, as professionals, please do not say give it up and try again. Remember, you are dealing with humans.