Motherhood is Not a Handicap!

      I had to catch my mouth when I had a meeting at work.  Discussing disability benefits, they described pregnancy falling into that category.  “Pregnancy is a disability,” they promptly stated.  I asked, “What,” in disbelief…and even with their explanation, my heart was still confounded.  Pregnancy - because whatever coverage a woman needs while at work, falls under the ADA (Adults with Disabilities Act) protections, it is considered a disability.     Seriously?! I mean - I understand that I have a ‘medical condition’ that is increasingly impacting my life.  Even physically.  My belly itches; I’m more stiff; it’s harder to put on my shoes.  And just wait 'til the kid gets here!  (Oy vey!)  But come on!!  Disabilities are an inhibitor to lives - a struggle and inconvenience.  There is something negative that greatly impacts the overall living quality of someone.  By declaring pregnancies to fall under the disability category, we are only supporting the notion, as a society, that motherhood is a burden to the women who choose it.     And yes, motherhood is costly.  It is sacrificial.  But it is NOT a disability.  My child is not a detriment to my health and wellbeing.  Rather, it is a step of seeing God's heart for family bear fruit. Surely, this stage in life will come with its trials and struggles, but it isn't without it's reward. Having a child is a blessing. It's not something to overcome. At this point, pregnancy financial assistance in the workplace continues to be under the ADA; but what if we removed the ‘disability’ determination and created a more thorough pregnancy care…would mothers receive the support and full care that was needed?     Maybe instead of looking at motherhood (excuse me, pregnancy; because, once the baby is out, back to work we ladies must go, due to the economic situation in our country) as a disability, we could then actually celebrate the life that is about to come (you know, like recognizing a human being in the womb!!!).  Maybe we could finally develop the family care we see existing in European countries (moms get six months paid leave to be with the child, then the father gets the same amount, allowing for the child to have a full year of parental care without worrying about daycare).  But as long as we put pregnancies in the same categories as disabilities, our view of how we should see the ‘fetus’ will be skewed. Additionally, biblically speaking, pregnancies were a part of God’s original plan (“be fruitful and multiply”); disabilities were a result of the fall.  If there was no sin in this world, we would still be seeing family growth.  We would not be seeing people suffer under chronic illnesses or conditions that - again, I point out this determination of the effects of a disability - inhibit the overall well-being of a person’s life.  To call pregnancy a form of disability is a mockery to God’s design for the world, to mothers, and to the disabled.  They are not synonymous.