The Axiom Of Responsibility
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children

Ugh, here we go again! Apparently (and unfortunately), our fascination with multiple births has not ebbed. Isn't it enough that there is a television show starring Jon and Kate Gosselin (who have eight children, a set of twins plus sextuplets)? Do we really have the interest, time, or energy to spend on Nadya Suleman and her fourteen children? More importantly, why are we positively enforcing her behavior by giving her attention when she is a completely irresponsible parent? She is an unemployed, single mother living with her parents who "had all 14 of her kids out of wedlock by artificial means." ("Octuplets' Mom: Can She Afford to Raise 14 Kids")

This woman deserves no attention or support, and society should shame her for her decisions and behavior, instead of making her a pseudo-celebrity. Suleman is a poor excuse for a mother - no matter who says she is "an 'awesome parent.'"

Pursuing Magna Sententia, parents are responsible for their children: Children do not ask to be born, and if parents chose to give their children life, it then becomes their responsibility to care and provide for their children. All parents must feed, clothe, teach, and nurture their children to the best of their ability, and unless she is independently wealthy, there is absolutely no way on Earth a single mother can adequately care and provide for fourteen children.

Furthermore, children need both a mother and a father (or mother-figure and father-figure) in their lives. Understandably, this is not always possible: When a partner dies or a parent abandons his or her children, mothers and fathers are forced to do their best to raise their children alone, and there are many excellent single parents. There is a huge difference between "circumstances beyond your control" and making the choice to be negligent. Suleman used a sperm donor to become pregnant with her first six children (one of whom is autistic), and she did it again to become pregnant with her octuplets. Moreover, she refused selective reduction, even though this endangered all of the fetuses. ("Commentary: Are Eight Babies More Than Enough?")

It is too late, but it would have been nice if Suleman would have thought of the children she was giving life to, not just herself, before she made her choices. America, please do not give this irresponsible woman attention or support. And certainly do not give her celebrity status.

Maybe if we as a society insisted that individuals take responsibility for themselves and their actions, people would make better decisions.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of The Magna Sententia Weblog
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society