Did the “pro-life” cause really need an actual martyr? The conservative website “Hot Air” has published a doting ode to Stacy Crimm, a woman who refused chemotherapy that would save her life in order to not endanger her long awaited pregnancy.
And anti-choice supporters couldn’t be more proud of her.
Tina Korbe writes:
Crimm truly did have a choice: Even if abortion were illegal, she could have opted to receive chemotherapy. That she bravely chose to place her child’s life before her own recalls forcibly to mind why the phrase “a mother’s love” has such resonance. When we talk about abortion, rarely do we talk about the ache many women feel after they choose to abort their babies. Crimm’s physical suffering must have been unimaginable — and, yet, three days before she died, she was able to hold close the fruit of her choice in what Phillips said was a perfect moment. Would that her story might help all mothers see nothing is worth the sacrifice of their own child.
Crimm did have a choice, and acted out on her own wishes. But when you switch that to “nothing,” including the life of the mother, is worth ending a pregnancy, well, then that’s not really a choice, is it?
Now there is one dead mom and one very premature infant being raised by her uncle and aunt. But as long as the baby survives, nothing else matters, right?
I’ve been seeing this story floating around Tumblr recently. Initially, I didn’t want to say anything about it. Stacy Crimm chose to give birth to her child, even at the cost of her own life. She had been waiting for years to have a child. It was her dream, and she made her decision fully aware of the consequences.
However, I think it is despicable to imply that any person who does not sacrifice their life for their child does not love that child. I think it is even worse to apply that standard to unborn fetuses and embryos. If Stacy had had other children to care for, who’s to say what her decision might have been? If she had been a single mother with little to no support system, would we still have condemned her for choosing to save herself? There are a number of parents who choose abortion because they love their children, and know that caring for another one is impossible.
I’ve been reading Thanks, Abortion! (if you haven’t noticed yet), and Casey’s story is a perfect example:
I never thought I could not have my child if I was pregnant, but after now gaining custody of my 4 yr niece I know in my heart and soul it would not be fair to the children I have now to have one more. My niece is special needs and my plate is full. I’m glad I know when I can not handle another life; it’s just not fair to the kids I have. I don’t regret my choice.
I knew what I needed and what I wanted, and I did it. My best friend took the kids for a night to let me recover a bit and the next day was back on my feet and being a mom. Don’t let fear of this take you over because it’s easier to emotionally heal from termination then it would be to live with a child you knew you never wanted. Much love.
These parents don’t get the accolades Stacy does, because their choices don’t make a good, tear-jerking story guaranteed to go viral on parenting blogs. Their choices are what’s right for their family, their children. Parents should not be required to lay down their lives to prove how much they love their children.
Emphasis mine.
Love,
Rabble
