My Disabled Body, My Choice
By Veronica Foale,
ABC
| 10. 02. 2013
eugenics
The study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, especially by such means as discouraging reproduction by persons having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits (negative eugenics) or encouraging reproduction by persons presumed to have inheritable desirable traits (positive eugenics). (Dictionary.com)
Although eugenics is widely condemned today, the practice of shaming disabled women for having babies continues.
Recently I was the victim of a comment implying that because I am disabled, I should not have had children. I'll leave aside arguments like the fact that I also pay taxes, and instead focus on the implication that I should not have had children because I have a genetic mutation that causes issues with mobility.
Some people would have you think that the responsible thing to do if you're a disabled woman is put a giant 'Out Of Order' sign over your reproductive organs. To them, not being able to work in a full time job means that I am of no use to the human race...
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