There has been a lot of talk about The Duggars recently. In December they welcomed their 19th child into the world. The Duggars live just outside of Springdale Arkansas and are the subject of a TLC reality show.
The story starts with Mom, Michelle and Dad, Jim Bob. They met in the early 80's through church connections and married in 1984. At the time of their marriage Michelle took the pill believing that they were not ready for children yet. In 1988 the first baby Duggar Joshua was born. Michelle went back on the pill after his birth. She then conceived and miscarried. The family doctor pointed out that it was a possibility when taking the pill. Jim Bob and Michelle were devastated. As they saw it this conflicted with their pro-life beliefs. They made the choice then to discontinue the use of all birth control. They have since added 18 children to their clan.
As conservative Christians the Duggars have many other interesting family convictions. All of the children are home schooled. They do not own a television. Internet access is strictly monitored and very limited in their home. The Duggars do not partake in dancing, drink any kind of alcohol, or wear anything shorter than the knee. That last rule must be a little uncomfortable during summers in the deep south. Another interesting Duggar fact is that they live debt free. They own several properties that they rent out to make ends meet.
The most recent birth for the Duggar family saw the 19th child entering the world in physical distress. Michelle was hospitalized because of pain from gall stones. During her time in the hospital she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure induced by pregnancy. Preeclampsia can be a significant risk after multiple pregnancies, as well as being fatal for Mom and baby if it is left untreated. Unfortunately the only treatment is to end the pregnancy and deliver the baby. Josie Brooklyn was born 15 weeks early. She has had a remarkable recovery despite all of the obstacles in front of her.
The Duggars are followers of the evangelical christian movement called Quiverful which preaches against all form of birth control believing that God opens and closes the womb at his will. The Quiverful movement also teaches that men are leaders and require women to be submissive. Tragically the movement garnered negative press when follower Andrea Yates drowned her own children in the family bathtub. Andrea was told by a psychiatrist not to have more children because of her history of postpartum depression. Andrea's husband, a preacher and fellow Quiverful follower encouraged her to stop taking her medication and conceive their 5th child to disastrous results.
The Duggars have been called selfish, addicted to pregnancies, and even crazy. They have been accused of having children in order to be on TV. People just can't believe that they take care of so many children without public assistance. Fans and critics alike have expressed concern for Michelle's health after so many pregnancies. Despite this, the show 19 Kids and Counting documents a happy, beautiful family. By all accounts The Duggars are warm, kindhearted people who are pillars of their community.
I believe the answer comes down to the personal freedom afforded every person in this country. For the Duggars it is a pro-life issue. For me, it is a pro-choice issue. As I believe that every woman has the right to make the choice that is best for them regarding abortion. I also believe every woman has the right to make the choice to have as many children as they can take care of. For me, it's that simple. What do you think?
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