A cross-section of Nigerians have stated that they will go for an abortion rather than raise a child with special needs.
In various comments on social media seen by our correspondent, Nigerians mentioned that the abortion of a fetus medically confirmed to be a special needs child when given birth to is best for the child and the parents of the baby.
They mentioned that the task of taking care of a special needs child is herculean and also a financial burden on the parents.
A special needs child is a child who has been identified as requiring specialized care, education, or support due to a physical, developmental, cognitive, or emotional disability.
This can include a wide range of conditions, from learning disabilities and sensory impairments to physical disabilities and developmental delays.
These children often require individualized education plans, specialized therapies, and accommodations to thrive in educational and social settings.
In their arguments, they mentioned that an abortion will be the best call in order to save the child from discrimination the child will face at school and in society.
Aweh Iyemiebor, a mother of a special needs child, mentioned that she would have opted for abortion rather than have the baby.
She mentioned that the child and the family are in constant pain over the special needs child’s existence.
“I have a special needs child, and frankly speaking, I wish she didn’t make it from the very beginning because we are both suffering the pain,” Iyemiebor stated.
Sharing similar sentiments, Nana Aisha Tsaku stated that she would prefer to remain childless instead of having a child with special needs.
“I’m getting rid of the fetus. A fetus isn’t a child. I’d rather be childless than have a special needs child,” Tsaku wrote.
Kennedy Onoja opined that having a child with special needs is stressful and heartbreaking.
“Don’t even wish your worst enemy to have a child with special needs. It’s a different level of stress and heartache,” Onoja opined.
For Gideon Doh Hey, he argued that many people wish they weren’t born; therefore, he said that the abortion of a special needs child is the best bet.
“The world is so cruel and judgmental. Day in and day out, many people wish they were not born. Some even go as far as having issues with their parents for giving birth to them. A typical example is those living with sickle cell,” he stated.
In her argument, Ada Pretty said, Terminating the pregnancy is the best decision to make. “Even the child will be grateful for not putting them through such a life.”
This publication highlights below more reactions of Nigerians clamoring for the abortion of a special needs child.
Alia Bella, “Abort it because if you don’t want you and the child to end up suffering for the rest of your lives.”
Omah collection, “Terminate the pregnancy. That’s the best thing to do. It’s called mercy killing, or how do they call it?”
Emma Sati: “Even as this is a hard nut to crack and a bitter pill to swallow, I am sorry, but terminating the pregnancy is the best option for me, my wife and the child in question.”
Israel Sola Oleyepo “It depends on the kind of needs. God forbid … I don’t pray for such, but if it’s something like the child is blind. The child may be able to cope.
“But if it comes to having issues with the brain or genes or whatever those tough medical sicknesses are, the best is to terminate.”
Precious Ginika, “Termination would be the best option, and that’s why they have a scan that shows if the child will be a special needs child.”
Cee Jay Wisdom, “I know some over-right people might think it wrong to do the rightful thing,
“Terminate the pregnancy; don’t bring a child into this world knowing fully well what he/she is going to face.
“Have you thought about the bullying, the backtalking, the kind of things, and the pain they will face in their daily lives?”
Chidinma Obele, “Fetus Abortion. You need to have the mental and physical capacity to take care of a special needs child. It’s also tough for them out there too.”
Ameen Sanusi, “Terminate. It is mercy to the child and the parent. It’s best to terminate it. I mean, you’re not just doing yourself a favour but also helping the child and the society.”
Doris Ejeme, “Terminate with immediate alacrity. I visited a special needs home one time, and boy, I was dumbfounded.”
Joy, “Well, if you have experienced this firsthand, if they tell you about your next pregnancy, you wouldn’t think twice.”
Grace, “Terminate the pregnancy. No second thought. And my question to biology students or medical students is, Is there a way to check the child before birth?”
Ngozi Ihezou, “There are different kinds of special needs. You can’t just put all of them in one bracket as difficult to manage. If there are severe deformities involved or a genetic disorder that would make life too difficult for the child, then it is better to terminate.
“But if the needs of the child would mean that they would have slower rates at achieving milestones, or they’re deaf or unable to speak, or blind, those are the kinds of children you don’t consider taking out because they still stand a chance at living out their lives to the fullest.
“Whatever the case may be, it is the quality of life of the child that should be considered first, before any other thing.”
Victoria, “Terminating the pregnancy is the best option. In developed societies there are abortion rights. I think the Nigerian senate should consider abortion law.”
Uncle Babs, “For the fact that you know beforehand, it’s better you do the needful. It’s not an easy thing tending to their “special” needs, and where’s the happiness in seeing your child that way? Termination all the way.”
Uzoma Mela, “If you have ever seen couples or families dealing with this situation with their child, you will never have a second thought on terminating it.”
Valentine Ogaraku, “Terminate. It’s the purest way to love them. Don’t bring a child to suffer because you think terminating it will be a sin.
“Suffering them is wrong. Suffering their siblings is wrong. Now, living with the pain and most times regretting ever birthing them is the worst sin. If you know beforehand, terminate it.”
