[Bigh4u2]

I once saw a special, either on one of the alphabet networks, or PBS (same thing!?).
Anyway, the issue was a child (girl) who was deaf that had the chance to hear again by getting a Cochlear implant.

Her parents strenuously objected because they were afraid that the daughter would 'lose her heritage' by being able to hear.

Her mother at first went along, but in the end turned against her daughters wishes and convinced her not to have the surgery.

The mothers reason? She and her husband, along with all of their friends were deaf as well.

[Bigh4u2]

Oh, and I should add that the entire 'deaf' community was against it as well because it wouldn't conform to their 'culture'.

[merry10]

Yep, and I agree with that reason. You naturally want your children to be like you. Of course, on this thread, I knew somebody would dredge up this deaf story. My own daugther is deaf with a cochlear implant. She is much more comfortable in a room with deaf kids, vs hearing people who she does not understand, and who do not understand her. While I would not purposefully have a child with any disability, I understand where some parents are coming from.

[dmw]

And now for the rest of the story....

The parents ended up letting their daughter have the CI surgery and the last I heard she is doing quite well with her CI. The deaf mother decided to get at CI too, and last I heard she too is pleased with her implant.