BEIJING: A woman in China with cerebral palsy has defended her desire to become a mother against online criticism accusing her of being “irresponsible”.
Li Man, 24, comes from a rural family in Anhui province in eastern China.
She developed cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation at birth. While her intellect is normal, she suffers from a severe physical condition which limits her mobility.
Li was raised by her grandparents while her parents worked away.
As a result of her condition many schools initially refused to admit Li, but her grandmother’s persistent pleas eventually secured her a spot at a primary school.
However, she endured discrimination and ridicule from classmates.
Later, Li attended a special education vocational school in Anhui, where teachers guided her to train in the sport of left-handed shot put.
She went on to compete in para-athletic events, earning a bronze medal in shot put at the 2021 National Games for Persons with Disabilities.
In September 2023, Li married her husband, who also has cerebral palsy, along with a leg disability and impaired vision.
She shares her daily life on mainland social media, including cooking, applying make-up, and doing household chores. Her optimism has attracted 230,000 online followers.
Her social media biography reads: “Even though I am different, I will strive to shine.”
In December, Li posted a series of videos about her pregnancy preparations, which gained widespread attention online.
She cheerfully documented her routine of taking fertility supplements, saying: “One pill in the morning, one at night, and soon I will have a little baby. Baby, mummy is coming to meet you!”
However, many online observers raised concerns about her decision to become a mother.
One said: “Will your conditions be passed on to the child? It is irresponsible to risk a child’s future for personal desires.”
While another said: “Even if the child is healthy, can the couple properly care for them? Imagine the psychological pressure the kid might face during parent-teacher meetings or sports events.”
On December 18, Li responded to the backlash, and said: “What did I do wrong? I just want a child.”
She revealed that she and her husband had undergone medical check-ups, with doctors confirming their genes posed no risk to having a healthy baby.
Li said that the criticism had taken a toll on her family, insisting that physical disabilities do not prevent living a normal life with a positive mindset.
“We will take care of the baby step by step,” she added.
Some doctors say that cerebral palsy does not directly impact fertility, as it is neither genetic nor contagious.
However, Cao Wei, an obstetrician at Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in central China, warned that physical limitations could make pregnancy, childbirth and childcare more challenging for patients.
Li has removed all her pregnancy related videos from social media.
The incident sparked a heated debate on mainland social media platforms, with related topics amassing 140 million views one of them alone.
One netizen said: “Li is a brave woman. She has the right to have children, but the discrimination she has faced may also befall her child.”
“Respect this incredible mother’s choice. If they have the confidence to raise a child, they must also be ready for any challenges that come their way,” said another. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
