[Born in a Rage]

I don't agree that kids need parents of both sexes. I grew up without my father around and I'm just fine.

Some children are better off without one of their parents around them...some mothers and/or fathers abuse their kids. I'd rather see one female have a child and raise the baby herself rather than see a mother and father combo who treat their kids badly.

You really shouldn't be passing judgment on this woman. I mean, she could have gotten married to someone she didn't love, had sex with him, get pregnant, and then leave him...taking the baby with her. Would that be any better?

[Tamar1973]

I grew up without my father around and I'm just fine.

Unfortunately, a lot of fatherless children end up damaged in one way or another that could have been prevented if a loving father had been in the picture. The statistics bear this out.

[Albion Wilde]

Social scientists have been tracking the outcomes of children in various family formats for the past century, many in long-term studies of 30 years -- I'm thinking of the work of Judith Wallerstein here, among other reputable researchers. They have found that while individual persons may do well coming from many kinds of upbringing, the most successful group of people in terms of school performance, getting a job, staying out of trouble, having good health and having good relationships themselves with a spouse and children, statistically are those raised by both biological parents, married and living together.

Such studies reinforce what the author is trying to get across: family form matters. Deviating from the known best situation has consequences and can affect many individuals negatively.