By privilege though Linda I am certainly not meaning money, rather privilege as its basic definition as "a special favour granted to someone who is deemed worthy". And worthiness is based on many factors, not simply wealth or station in life. When I worked for Child Protection there were cases of abuse reported in all walks of life, regardless of income or social standing. Some of the best parents were the ones who were quite poor. Jim and I started out with nothing when we had Brian. No by privilege I mean having a child in itself is a privilege, not something one should consider themselves automatically entitled to. Almost like a very special gift really. I know I feel very privileged to have had children, raised them, watch them grow, guide them and so on. It has been very rewarding, and I feel privileged to have shaped their lives in what I hope is a good way. However never have I considered it my right to have them. I am thankful that I was able to have children, and thankful also that Jim and I have been able to provide a stable loving home.

Far too many people simply assume they are entitled to have children and never stop to consider whether or not they are emotionally suited to it. Having children is much work, requires much patience, and yes is a huge financial responsibility. I have seen far too many parents shirk their responsibilities towards their children, through no reason other than they truly didn't realize what they were getting themselves into. Children change your entire life. I do agree though, it would be impossible to determine who and who should not be eligible to have children, I definitely do not believe it should be the governement's decision. However I would love to see people giving child rearing much more thought than they do. Children should not be regarded as an automatic product of marriage, nor should they be considered a possession, a status symbol, or someone to love you and take care of you in your old age. I'm afraid far too many people regard them as such.