Having a disability might bring challenges, but it doesn't define anyones capability as a mother.
We first met Jay-Lyn when she was 24 weeks pregnant. Her support co-ordinator had little hope that Jay-Lyn could parent her child and hoped that we might be able to help improve her chances of parenting.
Like many women who are pregnant and living with a learning difficulty, Jay-Lyn had received enormous pressure from family, support workers and health professionals to terminate her pregnacy. But Jay-Lyn and her partner were adament that they wanted to be parents and we were determined to help make that happen for them.
“I know I can be a good mum. You guys and my mum and P will support me. I always ask for help when I need it.”
Parenting is a challenging journey for any new parent, filled with uncertainties and a constant learning curve.
Our Case Managers / Womens Support Workers worked together with Child Safety and the Hospital Maternity Social Workers to offer intensive support to Jay-Lyn. Our service offered specialised parenting education, parenting capacity assesment and a solid safety plan for after the birth of bub.
But even this didn’t ward off the fear of a hospital worker, who felt the need to report her concerns to Child Safety, without consulting us, Jay-Lyn, her family or the hospital social workers first.
Discrimination for women living with a disability who choose to parent is still incredibly prevalent in society. Despite progress in advocating for gender equality and disability rights, these women continue to face unique challenges and barriers. More awareness and action are needed to address this systemic discrimination and ensure that all women, regardless of their abilities, are supported and empowered in their choice to parent.
Today Jay-Lyn her partner and their village of support, that we are a part of, are at home and parenting their beautiful baby girl.
CLICK HERE TO GIVE MORE WOMEN LIKE JAY-LYN A CHANCE TO PARENT THEIR CHILD