A woman in China is preparing to abort her baby boy after being told he has a condition which many people mistakenly believe means he will grow up with aggressive and violent tendencies.
Prenatal checks revealed that the unborn child has XYY syndrome, a genetic condition which has been wrongly linked to criminal behaviour.
On July 14, six-month pregnant Jiujiu from Sichuan province, southwestern China, shared her prenatal examination report on Douyin which indicated that her unborn baby was highly likely to have the syndrome.
Also known as Jacob's syndrome, the condition leaves the child with an extra Y chromosome. XYY syndrome is a genetic condition found exclusively in males.
Studies show people with XYY syndrome may exhibit an attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, but aggression or psychopathy are not common.
However, the vast majority of the 190,000 comments on Jiujiu's post advocated a termination, with some saying the child would have been "born evil".
"Children with XYY syndrome have a high tendency to criminal behaviour and often resort to violence," said one person on Douyin.
"I support the abortion. Having this child is like placing a time bomb around everyone," said another.
On July 18, Jiujiu decided to terminate the pregnancy after consulting doctors and discussing it with her family.
"Given the uncertainties after birth and my situation as in an ordinary family, I decided to terminate the pregnancy to be responsible to myself and the unborn child," she said.
"I hope people will not stigmatise XYY syndrome. You should understand the reality of this condition from a doctor. Regardless, losing the child is a painful experience for me," Jiujiu added.
Her decision reignited public attention on the misunderstandings surrounding XYY syndrome.
"This is a brave and responsible mother. Respect her decision and wish her well," said one online observer on Douyin.
Editor: CH
Most Popular
Update:University Expel Advisor Over Student's Sexual Harassment
He endures 320km/day round-trip commute to work for love of wife
Tragic Discovery: Remains of Chinese Tourist Found in Thailand
Press "wow"
No comments:
Post a Comment