I was shocked at a recent response by Dr. Laura Schlessinger in her March 30 column (WomaNews).
A male teacher from a public high school wondered if he was correct in not wanting to participate in giving a baby shower to an unmarried female teacher who became pregnant, according to him, after a “not-too-meaningful, already-terminated relation-ship.” The male teacher also thought the teachers would be sending the wrong message to the students; that this was a time of shame, not celebration.
Dr. Schlessinger agreed with the male teacher and unbelievably went on to degrade the pregnant woman that she was hurting her unborn child. “I see the `village’ as the institution to nag the individual to take responsibility. This is an occasion for the village to dole out shame, not gifts,” Dr. Schlessinger said.
The doctor even encouraged the male teacher, a parent to two adopted children, to suggest to the pregnant teacher that “adoption would be best for her child.”
Whoa! What decade are you in, doctor? While we’re at it, why don’t we make her wear a “Scarlet Letter”?
If the male teacher doesn’t feel right about participating in the shower, that is his business. He is entitled to his opinions and need not offer any explanation. At the same time, how dare he and the doctor stand in judgment?
I applaud this woman for having the courage and strength to keep her baby. She obviously is taking responsibility. She could have had an abortion, and no one would have known. As a professional she should be financially secure enough to provide for this child. It is my hope that she has enough support from true friends and family to raise the child.
Certainly raising a child in this day and age is difficult, even more so for a single parent. What she doesn’t need is people offering unsolicited opinions, advice and criticism. She has made her decision. If you have something to offer, let it be kindness. Shame on you, Dr. Schlessinger.
