Society must be more than just pro-birth

I am grateful to Richard McEwen (Letters 6/22) for initiating a meaningful conversation regarding changes needed in our society if abortion becomes illegal.

Having taught at a home for abused and neglected children, I saw children born into situations where no one was able to take care of them. I witnessed firsthand how these children suffer. When adoption is possible, it's wonderful. Unfortunately, there are currently thousands of children waiting to be adopted.

There are complex factors that need to be addressed beyond the birth of a child. To be truly pro-life would mean that our society would provide support not just at the time of pregnancy but throughout the lifetime of the mother and child.

If a child is born severely disabled, who bears the costs of raising this child? For mothers of limited income, comprehensive lifetime medical insurance is needed for mother and child - allowing the mother to keep the child. Specialized child-care is needed so that the mother could work if necessary.

If a single mother whose life is at risk is not able to terminate her pregnancy, who will take care of her other children if she dies as a result of the high-risk pregnancy? Sadly, states that are pushing to ban abortions generally have the highest rates of maternal mortality.

A single mother with three school-age children who works two jobs is raped. Forced to have the child, who pays her bills while she is unable to work? Who pays for infant child-care so she can return to work?

Many pregnant women want to have their babies but are forced into heart-wrenching situations. Rather than spend energy judging them, let's work together compassionately seeking practical solutions.

If our society only becomes pro-birth, but not truly pro-life, then more children, women and families will suffer.

Susan Pribyl

Ingleside