Recently a woman saw a toddler drowning in a pond. No other adults were around, so despite the water's icy temperatures and the fact that she can't swim, the woman, Peng Weiping, jumped into the pond and rescued the toddler, saving the 2-year-old girl's life.
A true hero, right? You would think so, but not everyone agrees. In fact, some have called her downright reckless and irresponsible for the rescue. The reason: Weiping is 6 1/2 months pregnant with twins.
But should that change anything?
According to China Daily, Weiping and her babies are fine. She's currently in the hospital, and the immediate risk of miscarriage has been ruled out. Doctors did say that there could still be consequences for the babies, but that as of now, everyone is stable, fortunately.
Still, the incident, which happened in the Anhui province, has sparked considerable controversy and condemnation of Weiping's actions. One mother-to-be, Wu Ning, told the paper:
Peng was risking not only her own life, but also that of her babies'. Even thought what she did is selfless I wouldn't recommend it — just imagine how she would have felt if she had lost the babies. People have to think rationally about their own safety.
For her part, Weiping says she didn't think twice before she jumped into the pond. She said she just closed her eyes and jumped in.
And really, how could she have done anything else? In a situation like that your instincts kick in, and I can't imagine anyone in the same situation doing anything less than she did. Sure there were her own babies to think about, but when you see a life in front of you fading, how could you not act? If heroes always thought about the personal risks to themselves and consequences for their families, we'd have few heroes. I would hope I would have done the same thing, pregnant or not; I would hope anyone would do the same if it was my child in trouble.
Sure we should take every precaution we can when we're pregnant and not recklessly put our unborn children in danger, but to say that this woman is somehow selfish or careless for her heroic feat is outrageous. She should be nothing but lauded for it, and her twins are lucky to have such a brave mother.
Do you think this woman should be criticized for risking her babies' lives? Do you think you would have done the same thing in a similar situation?
Image via spaceodissey/Flickr
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Comments 148
How could you not save a life.Especially one that hasnt had a chance to live! If you want to condemn someone, what about the 2 year old parents! Where were they at the time. I think if you've never been put in that situation you should keep your opinions to yourself. No one can judge her but God. I wish her all the luck and happiness.
I think this is a sign of not just a great mother, but of a great role model.
I think I would have done the same thing. I couldn't live with my self if something would have happened to that child and I could have saved them. I think people are just ridiculous. Can't wait to put someone down.
wait, how could going into water rish her babies lives in the first place? i've seen plenty of pregnant women at the beach. wtf? even if it can, she saved a kids life!!! a little kid!!!! these people talking crap should just be thankful it wasn't one of their kids drowning with the only person around being someone who could think with a "level-head" and decide it isn't worth the risk. the only thing to call this woman is a selfless hero. so whoever says differently need to shut it.
on a side note however, where in the hell was this kid's mother? how was it that someone's child is drowning in a lake and she's the only one around? why wasn't this kid being looked after properly? had this happened in america, the woman would be hailed as a hero while DYFS (or child services or whatever it's called outside of new jersey) would be looking for the parents to charge them with neglect and endangerment.