Of all the many important decisions we make in our lives, having children is in a category of its own. It is about the creation of life and, without being too prescriptive, we believe this requires some thought.
Essentially, this is the least that is being suggested by Dr Jonathan Sher, a consultant on child health and a former policy chief at the charity Children in Scotland. Perhaps more controversially, he has also suggested involving health authorities and other organisations in the process.
Dr Sher wants all prospective parents to have a reproductive life plan, and for support agencies to offer advise on their intentions. The aim is to tackle health problems pre-conception, with a “stop light” checklist used to ask those who are, say, seriously obese, drug-addicted, alcohol-dependent or clinically depressed to think again.
It is not an unreasonable request even if, inevitably, it will raise concerns about a nanny state. However, it is a proposal put forward by someone who has thought deeply about the issue and, as such, it merits discussion.
In clearing the ground for that, let us first acknowledge no one is talking about coercion, even if “discouragement” might be seen by some as barely less dubious. Dr Sher intends to target the poor, who suffer bad health disproportionately. Who would deny the ideal of bringing children into a better world recedes when they are born into poverty exacerbated by parents’ chronic health problems?
For too many families in Scotland, it is clear that where there is life there is hopelessness. Even so, no one wishes to stop anyone deeply desirous of parenthood. In involving health and othe agencies, Dr Sher’s proposal is controversial and requires wider discussion of its implications. That said, it may, at most, persuade those who can do so to tackle their health problems before conception and, at least, encourage would-be parents to have a little think before having a little one.
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