Inspiring
Pregnant Woman Criticized for Saving Toddler's Life
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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MomaLlama
I don't think anyone could have faulted her if she hadn't jumped in, but that being said how is her life and her unborn children's life more valuable then the girl drowning right in front of her. If she jumped in she and her babies were at risk, but if she hadn't then the little girl would have surely drowned. I think she made the best of a bad situation.
Lilac
hanibanani
butterflyfreak
And how many of us would be blasting her if she HADN'T jumped in and the toddler drowned? She and her babies would have been safe but a toddler would have died and we'd all be like "How could she just stand there and let that poor baby drown."
I commend her for her selfless actions!
ashjo85
There is no right decision in that situation. NONE. I know I couldn't stand by and watch a child drown. But you never know what you'll do until you're in that situation and forced to choose. People need to lay off.
Melissa042807
It's a classic case of "damned if you do, damned if you don't".
Buffymom9
the4mutts
How can a human being, a mother, watch an innocent child drown?
In china they may abort or kill daughters, but that isn't some "cultural difference" that should be glossed over, and even used as an excuse for treatment of the female gender. Its a travesty that they, as a country, need to overcome. If ONE person can see the value of humanity, male or female, then surely there are more.
They are a very book-smart culture, and very advanced and knowledgable. They HAVE to see where their views are not only inhumane, but counterproductive to their society as a whole.
Albond86
Joanna Votansen