Regarding these multiple births, see beyond the 'happy talk'

As a native Californian who recently moved to Pittsburgh, I am disappointed with the hoopla surrounding the Post-Gazette's front-page story about a California woman who recently gave birth to eight children ("8th Baby a Wonder for California Mother and Doctors, Too," Jan. 28).

It may have been a "wonder" for the mother. But for Californians it is bad news.

California has nearly 40 million residents and is certain to have nearly 60 million by 2050. Its budget deficit is $40 billion and climbing. Every social service that California offers, including the health care that is probably covering at least part of the birthing bill, is stretched to the maximum.

The mother cannot possibly cope with either the emotional or financial burden of rearing eight children at once.

Why does the Post-Gazette join the rest of the poorly informed media in celebrating the family's incredibly selfish behavior that likely involves the use of fertility drugs?

What we need is a responsible discussion about the benefits of limiting family size and population growth instead of knee-jerk, happy talk about more babies.

 

JOE GUZZARDI
Bradford Woods