Suppose your preparing to have child (whether it be naturally or through in-vitro or whatever). You are a few months into the pregnancy, and all seems to be going smoothly. You are excited about the prospects ahead of you. You have finished one of many medical checkups to check on fetal development. Everything goes swimmingly, and at birth, you are eager to see your new baby and the future that lies ahead.

I've had a lot of discussions with many of friends about being mentally retarded. Many of us would like to dismiss the notion that there's a possibility of their child being mentally incompetent. It's hard to imagine how I would personally react if I found out my child was affected with a mental or genetic disorder such as Down syndrome or even schizophrenia. Some have said that they would stick by it no matter what, while others have admit that adoption might be the answer to the "problem".

So, the question still stands. What would you do if you found out your child was mentally retarded?

My brother has Downe's Syndrome so .... but I cant imagine my life without him, it has taught me so much. He has. He's amazing. This question is so hard to answer.

It would be hard obviously. But although I haven't experienced motherhood yet, I know that I will love my kid no matter what so I would keep him/her.

It depends on the condition. something like Asperger's, Down Syndrome, or something along the lines of light incompetence I don't mind. Severe retardation I would get aborted.

Adoption.

Actually this, basically.

I would take care of them. That's my child, and I'll do anything to make sure they are accommodated. If that's not possible, I'll have to give them up for adoption (but I'll hate too). But that's a dead last option, and that's when I can't even take care of myself.

But doesn't the first post say you don't know until the baby is born? I don't think it's called abortion at that stage...


A little more on topic, I have no idea. I'd barely be able to cope with a completely healthy child, never mind one that will more than likely have to absolutely depend on you for most things for the rest of your, or their, life...

Before I answer, do you find out while the child is still not born yet?

+1

I'm never raising kids but even my heartless kid hating ass would not kill a child because they are retarded or give them up for adoption so they can go with a couple thats probably gonna abuse them and divorce in a couple years.

My aunt was pregnant, and after testing, found out the baby was going to be born with down syndrome. She aborted the baby. It was a really hard time for her.

In some cases, you can identify an issue with a fetus through chromosomes and brain development. This is the case with Down syndrome. Others symptoms of mental illness doesn't arise until later in life. People usually don't develop schizophrenia until their early 20s.

It depends on how extreme it is.....

If it's mid-severe I would abort, I don't want my child to have a life filled with negativity!

So it is possible to know before birth and early enough for abortion? Then I stick to my original post