In theory - Jon T. Karn

The mother of the eight babies born recently has been under fire for her decision to have additional children on top of the six she already has. This, combined with her current unstable financial situation, has raised serious ethical questions. What do you believe are the moral and ethical implications of her actions? And from your faith’s point of view, what covenant, if any, could she have violated?

As the strange case of octuplet mother Nadya Suleman unfolds, the story becomes increasingly disturbing. According to a spokesman for the family, Noah, Jonah, Jeremiah, Josiah, Isaiah, Maliyah, Makai and Nariyah all share “Angel” for their middle name and “Solomon” for their last name.

That’s not all they share.

They share a mother who’s grasp on reality is wobbly at best. They share a home life that puts them at great risk.

They share a life made possible only by an unethical doctor and a selfish mother.

They share critical needs that can only be met by welfare and the kindness of strangers (their website is set up only to receive comments and money).

These precious children have all inherited an impossible situation. Through no fault of their own, they are, what we used to call, “bastards.” They have no father. Their mother saw to that. I’m old enough to remember when having a father mattered. Not so anymore. Except to the children. At our church we proudly honor ALL our mothers but I’ve been intrigued by Ann Coulter’s wonderfully controversial new book, “Guilty” which argues powerfully that single motherhood has been glorified to the point that fathers have become irrelevant in the minds of many young mothers who “just want a baby.” I suppose Angelina Jolie wannabe Nadya Suleman has become the poster child for that point of view.

I might add something else. While horrible judgment and ethics abound here, I am struck by this: The media and many others here in California are outraged by the irresponsible behavior of Nadya and her doctor in giving life to these eight babies, but there is almost no outrage about the 9,100 L.A. county babies that have met their deaths this month at the hands of their mothers and abortionist doctors. Yes, I am angry about the circumstances surrounding the birth of eight babies but much more so about the death of hundreds more.

JON T. KARN is pastor of Light on the Corner Church in Montrose. Reach  him at (818) 249-4806.