The Memory Keeper's Daughter The Memory Keeper's Daughter discussion


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Patricialogan8 David made a sole decision to tell his wife that their daughter died to "spare her" the agony of Phoebe's future, Do you think he had the right to do that?


message 2: by inaword (new) - added it

inaword No, I can't really find the words to explain it, but I feel that it was a terrible thing to do. Made even more terrible by the way he went about everything.

And it was pretty arrogant of him to assume that he really knew his wife's feelings on the matter and then deny her her right to make a choice in the situation.


Patricialogan8 his sister didn't even have the same problem, she was born with a heart condition, not all babies with Down's are born with medical problems


message 4: by inaword (new) - added it

inaword Maybe the majority of people with Downs had some sort of other medical issues at the time?


Patricialogan8 maybe still not his right


Doron Yam It is a very difficult question to ask, not say to answer. You are trying to get into his shoes fifty or so years ago.
The conditions of health research was not as it is today. I trust that it is true that back then the majority of babies with this illness died. Simply beacause back then they did not know what we know today.
Sadly, I cannot judge David. I cant agree with him and I cant overrule his best judgement. I'm sorry I cant contribute more to the discussion but I think you all have to see it in different light. maybe then, some of you will take his stand. And, then again, maybe not...


Patricialogan8 np i started the poll to get an opinion, some people have different ideas about Down's Syndrome, my brother was born in 77, I just don't think David had the right to make the choice alone


Liz Medical practice, medical knowledge & a doctor's authority was very different back then. David's decision was actually quite common at the time - http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/abo...

In that era, yes, David did have the right. In today's world? No. We have learned much from the Carolines and Phoebes of the world.


Patricialogan8 morally he did not have the right


Patricialogan8 Kudos to him and thumbs down to the mother, and she did not have the moral right to try to give him up. he should try and sue her for child support, she would do that if the situation was in reverse


Thomas Paul Charles DeGaulle had a daughter born in the 1920's with Down syndrome. She lived to be 29, I believe. It was said that being with her was the only thing that could put a smile on his face.


Patricialogan8 Ren wrote: "Maybe the majority of people with Downs had some sort of other medical issues at the time?"

That doesn't make them less worthy of life and love


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