People rally around pregnant woman who is being called 'ableist' for hoping for a healthy child

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it is also the beginning of a lifetime of care and concern for children. All parents wish for a healthy and happy lifetime for their children. However, that does not mean that children born with any disorders or disabilities matter any less to the parents. Even though, they wish for it to never happen to their children doesn't mean that they value their children any less. Kimberly Lecuyer—who goes by @kimperryco on Instagram—recently came under the radar when her wish for a 'healthy baby' was misunderstood by people on social media.

Lecuyer shared in a video that she was choosing to ignore the comments regarding her desire for a boy despite already having three girls. In a viral video, she emphasized that her primary wish was for a healthy baby and acknowledged that gender disappointment is a valid feeling. The mother encouraged everyone to celebrate the impending arrival of a new life, irrespective of gender expectations. She recognized the societal pressure that often surrounds gender preferences during pregnancy and advocated for a more positive approach.

However, Lecuyer's post sparked controversy when people in the comment section accused her of being an "ableist" for praying for a healthy child. Some individuals felt her desire for a healthy baby implied a lack of love and value for children with health issues. Several people took to her comments section to criticize her desire for a healthy child and misunderstood her entire perspective on the issue. However, Kevon Stage, a comedian—who goes on TikTok by @kevonstagetiktok— in a reaction video, defended Lecuyer's perspective when it got too much. He highlighted that Lecuyer never implied she wouldn't love an unhealthy child but expressed her hope for a healthy one. Taking his cue, the viewers of his video took to Instagram to defend Lecuyer and her perspective on a "healthy child."

Many people rallied behind Stage's viewpoint, asserting that it's entirely reasonable to hope for a healthy child and it doesn't mean that she can be termed as "ableist." They shared their own experiences on Instagram, emphasizing that wishing for a baby's well-being is not discriminatory to disabled children in any way. @future_drrodman shared their views and said, "Kevonstage brought me here & I'm so happy to see so many supportive comments bc I came to argue. Congratulations, Mama! Praying for a healthy baby & safe labor!"

Parents understand that each child is unique and fits seamlessly into their family, regardless of their health. @kayyoh said, "People are so miserable and will literally find something wrong with everything even in the good. I pray your baby is healthy too!" @deelite08 shared, "As a mother of sickle cell children, there is nothing wrong with this woman praying for a healthy child. My children have had struggles and in this moment, they ARE healthy, and I thank God for it!! We cannot project our challenges onto others. She never disparaged disabled children."

This article originally appeared on 9.11.23.