Many handicapped girls are convinced that they will never get pregnant, and are woefully ignorant of the symptoms of pregnancy if it should happen. Some parents might contend that the subject was better left alone, because of embarrassment and because of the relaxation of restrictions on abortion facilities. But this attitude ignores the fact that many handicapped girls will desperately want a child of their own. Childbearing will prove their normality and identity as a woman—a healthy child will to some extent diminish their own feeling of disability and will also be seen as a source of love and attention. Needless to say, agreement to an abortion will be very difficult and filled with emotional problems in a case of this kind.
