We welcome the World Health Organisation’s focus on containing and eliminating the Zika virus. However, we urge the international community not to forget that long-term measures and resources will need to be put into place to ensure the rights of the children with microcephaly. Sense was founded by families of those born with congenital rubella syndrome during the outbreak in the 1950s and 60s in Britain. Our experience working with children with deafblindness and other complex needs has shown that accessing early intervention and ongoing support will be crucial. Over the coming months Sense International will focus its advice and support on these vital, long-term services.
Carolyn Merry
Director, Sense International
• The Zika outbreak has turned our ideas of morality inside out. Pregnancy for those who would bear very defective babies must be avoided at all costs. Those who preach against contraception are themselves committing a cardinal sin – until we have a vaccine the danger threatens the lives of millions and we must denounce them in their own terms. If they want to preach that everyone should be absolutely chaste for a couple of years, well and good, but to condemn women to bear children who will need constant care and sacrifice by the whole family is incredibly wicked. We need free contraception and advice for all, with abortion as a long stop. It is no good respecting the beliefs of our Catholic friends – we must speak out. This catastrophe need not happen and those hampering its prevention are the sinners.
Anthea Hardy
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
from Pregnancy | The Guardian http://ift.tt/23LEvUB
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