I'm reminded of the elderly parent who kills his adult child with mental
retardation, and then himself.  Frankly, I'm surprised that this doesn't
occur more often than it does.

In a message dated 2/19/2002 7:53:58 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Some places infanticide is practised on girls regardless of
> their ability or disability- ie India.  I don't think it is restrictred
> to extremist islamic cultures; i think it has a lot to do with
> sexist cultural and economic practices.  ie poor families
> who know that without a  dowry their daughter will not be
> able to marry, and that without a  husband she will not  be
> able to work/survive.......... etc......etc.  Doesn't excuse the
> practise of course.  But I've worked in such places, and
> know the desparation and suffering of these people.  It is
> generally not done with malice but with legitimate fear for
> the future..........
>