Recently I read with interest, yet dismay that an international woman’s organization stated that pregnancies were a disservice and as slavery to women.
How far the world has fallen in their perspective towards families!
There is a saying that when people know what we know and feel what we feel, that they will do what we do. I can think of many scenarios that this would apply to, and especially in that of the Mormon family.
What woman who has held a newborn in her arms – her own newborn – could shove that newborn away as a relic of the “pregnancy slavery” that brought that small babe?
What woman, who has felt the stirrings of life within her, has not wondered at the sanctity of creation?
Of course there are settings in which pregnancy might not bring joy. Rape might be one such setting. But rape was never intended by the God of this earth; rape is something brought about by those who seem to harbor hate in their hearts.
No, it is not of these kinds of settings I speak when I ponder pregnancy and what that state brings a woman.
Speak to any woman who has brought forth a child in normal settings, and most women will tell you that there is a special something which attends the birth of the child. There is a presence, a sweetness, a something that I do not have words for but have felt personally.
From the living and modern prophets of our day, we are taught the following:
“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.”
This statement is contained in a document entitled, “ (sometimes called the Mormon church) in 1995. I am grateful for this document. It contains much supernal truth and knowledge that rings resonant and whole to those with honest minds.
I cannot say of the experiences of women whose experiences state otherwise; but what I can say is that motherhood for me as a Mormon has been a tremendous experience. Pregnancy for me came long and hard; we weren’t sure we could have children. When the pregnancy came, I had many strong symptoms and was sick more days than not. Yet through it all, I had a strong abiding sense leading me to be grateful that I could even be with child.
For truly, if women did not carry babies, how would any of us be here?
As Mormons, we revere life. We believe that we are God’s children, and that it is a privilege to bring each of those children here to earth. Through whom? The mothers, of course.
Here are a few links to some inspiring talks along the same topic:
