Two dichotomous posts on parenting

Two quick stories I wanted to share with two interesting takes on the limits of parenthood.

1. A truly disturbing story from my current home state of Massachusetts: Mother of 9 claims she was sterilized against her will.

Savicki acknowledged that some may feel little sympathy for her situation, but cautioned against public judgment because she is a poor, unmarried mother of 9.“I would never have the right to tell anyone else ‘because you have this many kids that’s enough,’ ” she said. “That’s no one’s right to say that. It’s my choice. No one has the right to say you’ve had enough.

My quick take: Appalling, illegal, downright immoral. This story challenges us to think about the right to parent, and about basic reproductive rights.

2. A more uplifting story from CNN: 'Unadoptable' as child, man gets new parents.

John decided he was tired of spending Christmas and birthdays alone. He realized, even as an adult, that he still needed parents to provide him advice -- and compassion. He wanted a family of his own.

My quick take: Even at the age of 23, a "child" found a family. Adult adoptions are pretty rare in the U.S., but this article challenges us to reconsider our traditional definitions of family, parenthood, and a sense of belonging and human compassion for your fellow man.

Just two interesting stories I wanted to throw out there. More updates this week.