There is no greater love than a mother's love for her child. It is unconditional, and she will do whatever she has to to ensure her child is protected, safe, and loved. One mother sparked controversy and quite a bit of conversation when it came to her children.
Anabel Leon, who posts on TikTok as @anabelmoralezz, posted a video with a message to her husband. She told him that if, during childbirth, a complication arose, she wanted him to save her and not the baby. Her request might seem shocking, but her reason seemed valid to many people. Leon didn't want her other child to be left without a mother. It is definitely thought-provoking.
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Leon's video brings up a topic that is sometimes viewed as taboo.
The TikTok has amassed 7.9 million views. It shows Leon in a hospital bed, presumably during childbirth with her first child, Ethan. The text over the video reads, "To my husband: If I'm giving birth and the doctor says you need to pick between me or the baby please save me I don't want Ethan to grow up without a mom & I don't want you to have to raise 2 babies alone while also grieving your wife." The music is somber and really makes you think.
No mother ever wants to think about leaving her children.
Whether during childbirth, illness, or by accident, the thought of dying and a child growing up without you is among a mother's worst nightmares. But sadly, it happens. Sometimes during childbirth, the loss of a mother can be prevented, but it may mean sacrificing the life of the baby. It is a horrible decision for a woman's partner to be left to make, so Leon is seemingly making that decision for her husband ahead of time. And it is all for him and Ethan, not necessarily to save herself.
Thousands weighed in and started a lively discussion.
"As much as it would hurt youre 100% right," someone wrote.
"I use to say save the baby not me," a mom explained. "Now that i have a daughter i think so differently!!"
So many mothers agreed with Leon. "As a mom of 3 and pregnant with #4 I would ger bothered when my hubby would say he would chose me but now I see why my babies need me too " another comment reads.
Although most commenters said they would save themselves, some women wanted their partners to save the baby.
"I understand this, but idk I think I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did this," a woman admitted. "I'd honestly leave the choice up to my husband and I would."
It may be a surprise, but the comment section didn't automatically condemn her. People were empathetic to the difficult choice.
"I get you bc it is a hard choice," Leon responded.
"So hard thinking about this, I love my baby but also don't want to leave my other kid without a mom," a mom agreed. "He's just so attached to me."
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Sadly, this decision happens in the delivery room more than we would hope.
Maternal mortality rates in the United States are alarming. According to the Children's Defense Fund, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking maternal mortality rates in 1987. An estimated 700 women die in the US due to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications each year. The agency reported that the US has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries and is only one of 13 countries where maternal mortality has increased in the last 25 years.
"There are many steps federal, state, and local policymakers can take to help break this cycle of dramatically increased maternal mortality, especially among Black women. We must make the case for policies to improve and eliminate racial disparities in access to quality prenatal and postnatal care and to educate and train health care professionals at all levels. It is essential health care professionals are equipped to handle pregnancy-related complications and get new mothers the extra help and treatment they need for their own care and that of their infants," CDF writes.
