Brazil's mothers left to raise microcephaly babies alone

[HuckleB]

Source: Reuters

With the health service already under strain, abortion prohibited, and the virus hitting the poorest hardest, an absent father is yet another burden on mothers already struggling to cope with raising a child that might never walk or talk.

At a specialized microcephaly clinic in Campina Grande, psychologist Jacqueline Loureiro works with mothers to help them cope with stress and trauma. Of the 41 women she counsels, she says only 10 receive adequate financial or emotional support from their partners.

"At first many of the women say they have a partner, but as you get to know them better you realize the father is never around and the baby and mother have effectively been abandoned," Loureiro said.

Loureiro blames Brazil's macho culture, which she says is particularly strong in the northeast.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-women-idUSKCN0WD21D

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[TexasMommaWithAHat]

1. So sad.

[jwirr]

2. I do not know what can be done but I hope they find some

kind of answer to this disease. I wonder if Brazil has any kind of welfare programs for the poor? As to abandoned mothers and children. That is one of the factors that women who have a disabled child face no matter where they live.

In the 50s when I got my divorce - because dad did not want to carry the burden - everyone warned me that poverty would be the result. But I already knew that because the statistics on families with a disabled child was not good.

It might be better now but I doubt that it is better anywhere.

[valerief]

3. Sounds like what Republicans want in the U.S. for women. nt

[HuckleB]

4. Indeed. -eom-