Defiant Birth: Women Who Resist Medical Eugenics [Paperback]

Melinda Tankard Reist (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2006

Daring women—those who were told not to have their babies due to perceived disabilities in themselves or their unborn children—tell their stories in this controversial book that looks critically at medical eugenics as a contemporary form of social engineering. Believing that all life is valuable and that some are not more worthy of it than others, these women have given birth in the face of disapproval and hostility, defied both the creed of perfection and accepted medical wisdom, and given the issue of abortion a complexity beyond the simplistic pro-life/pro-choice dichotomy. As it questions the accuracy of screening procedures, the definition of a worthwhile life, and the responsiblity for determining the value of an imperfect life, this book trenchantly brings to light many issues that for years have been marginalized by the mainstream media and restricted to disability activism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Melinda T Reist, Editor

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Spinifex Press (May 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1876756594
• ISBN-13: 978-1876756598
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #602,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and heartful reading, August 10, 2008

By 

Dr. Sarah J. Buckley "MD, Author of Gentle Bi... (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Defiant Birth: Women Who Resist Medical Eugenics (Paperback)

This book is a very valuable read for all pregnant women who are considering accepting tests for abnormalities in their babies- tests that are now routine with most carers.

The real-life stories in this book give important and heartful perspectives that balance the usual medical advice to terminate any pregnancy where the baby has an abnormality. Families tell of supposedly severely affected babies who were not aborted and who were in fact normal at birth, and also babies who died soon after birth, as predicted, but whose time was precious.

Several also recount the joy and love they have experienced with their "abnormal" babies, including children with Down syndrome and achondroplasia ("dwarfism"). The book also has inspiring stories told by parents with their own significant illnesses and disabilities, including cerebral palsy.

Many write of the pressure, and even blame, from family, friends and professionals, to choose termination, justified as saving their children from suffering. This perspective is challenged by words of those with disabilities. Abortion is also justified to save the community from future costs, which is the fundamental (and profoundly concerning) reason for prenatal testing for abnormalities.

The stories also challenge the idea that allowing a baby with a fatal abnormality to survive to birth will be intolerably traumatic for the family. As mother Teresa Streckfuss poignantly writes about her son, who died 24 hours after birth from anencephaly: "Someone asked us after Benedict died, was it worth it? Oh yes! For the chance to hold him and see him and to love him before letting him go. For the chance for our children to see that we would never stop loving them, regardless of their imperfections. Children are always a blessing, even if they don't stay very long."

Highly recommended for parents, professionals involved with prenatal testing, and all who are interested in the ethics and future of pregnancy.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for All, January 23, 2011

By 

Charliene Damore (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Defiant Birth: Women Who Resist Medical Eugenics (Paperback)

Outstanding book. This is a must read for everyone. It opened my eyes to so many different concepts and circumstances that I'd never been presented with or had a window into - things every person must consider as a responsible citizen and human being. This book will now be required reading for each of my children in their high school years.