Pregnancy and conduct

A pregnant woman causes a car accident. She loses her unborn child, apart from injuring another motorist. Should she be charged for the accidental death of her child? Yes, according to a ruling earlier this month by the Dubai Traffic Court of First Instance. While the woman was penalised for reckless driving and failing to maintain safe distance, the court stressed on the importance of safeguarding the foetus's right to live. Gulf News spoke to readers about their opinion on the responsibilities of motherhood and the rights of an unborn child.

Pregnant women have moral responsibility towards their husband and family to not endanger their baby's lives.

It is the sacred duty of a pregnant woman to ensure her husband and family that she will safeguard the life of her baby. The creation of a new life in the womb of a woman is a priceless and divine gift. A pregnant woman has the moral obligation to grant her husband the joy to celebrate the miracle of bringing a new life into this world. Expectant mothers should be like a protective shield around their baby.
Anjoo Sharon Navin
Dubai

Women need to understand the concern the husband and family have for the child. They should take care as they cannot live the same life which they did as single women. However, sometimes mistakes do happen and a mother would never intentionally harm her child. The best action would be to consult a doctor on the ideal conduct during pregnancy and try to adhere to it as much as possible.
Enrico Ricks
Dubai

When a woman gets married, she is responsible towards her husband as well as his family. They need to cooperate and work together on every domestic issue, including having a child. However, a woman goes through a lot of hormonal and behavioural changes during pregnancy, which needs to be considered. The husband, wife and the family need to be equally responsible for the safety of the child.
Aishwaryaa Jagdeesh
Dubai

If a couple has decided to have a child, they need to be responsible and realise what the consequences of careless behaviour would be. They may face problems because of pressure at work, and I have noticed some women not taking their maternity leave, even when it is offered. This may be due to the repercussions a longer break may have on their budget. However, they should behave more carefully.
Nibu Koshy
Dubai

A woman should never drive when pregnant.

Driving during pregnancy should not be banned altogether. Women may drive but only if it is necessary or for short distances. They should also keep their family informed of the visit. This is her moral responsibility, more towards her unborn child than anyone else. A pregnant woman is expected to be mature and rational in her thinking. Respect the life that you are planning to give birth to.
Shivani Singh
Dubai

Pregnancy is not a sickness. If a woman is feeling fine and her condition is normal, she should be independent and drive. It is better than waiting for someone to drive you around or being driven by an insensitive driver. Only when it gets difficult or uncomfortable to drive should she stop driving. However, again, it is up to an individual to decide. No blanket ban should be imposed.
Geetam Kapur
Dubai

In the initial months of the pregnancy, a woman may be allowed to drive. However, in the later months, a woman has to be more careful and responsible and try not to drive, unless it is an emergency. Sometimes, young mothers are not careful enough with their child, and I have seen a few women smoking and not being careful while they are pregnant.
Marisska Fernandes
Dubai

It is not possible for women to not drive, primarily because of the quality of public transport available. Also, it is not advisable for her to go out in the heat and wait for a bus or taxi. As far as caring for the child is concerned, it is not just her responsibility. The husband and family also need to assist her, by providing her with transport options.
Nitin Midha
Dubai

Smoking and indulging in bad habits during pregnancy is being irresponsible towards one's health and ungrateful to God.

It is absolutely wrong for pregnant women to smoke because it is unhealthy for someone who is pregnant. She is responsible for her health and her baby's health. At some levels, I feel strict judgements help women become more careful and responsible. A child is an incomparable gift from God. There have to be rules to make sure people do not act recklessly.
Hamed Mo'en
Dubai

I have seen many women who are extremely careful when they are pregnant, and stay away from smokers. People are aware of their responsibility when they are about to have a child. However, as far as driving is concerned, women may drive in the initial months of pregnancy, but not after the third month.
Shima Samaei
Dubai

I have seen many pregnant women going to clubs and indulging in other habits. It is extremely irresponsible as clubs are crowded and may endanger the child's life. What is more surprising is that often their husbands accompany them. It is a big responsibility and the authorities do have the right to punish the woman. It should be a jail term, more than anything else.
Anoud Eisa
Dubai

Once a woman is pregnant, she needs to start thinking about her child. Doctors advise women to quit smoking because it would affect her health as well as her child's. If she is unable to stick to a disciplined lifestyle, it reflects her casual approach towards being a mother. Even if you decide to have a child, only God can bless you with one.
Meena Singh
Sharjah

Many young women do not respect motherhood.

Over the years, in nuclear families, the focus of happiness has shifted from togetherness to freedom. Along with that comes the freedom of working, earning and borrowing. Given a chance, most mothers would love to be around their child till he or she starts going to school. However, they cannot afford to take a couple of years off to look after their children, because, if they do so, the family economics collapse.
Sanjay Daiv
Dubai

An individual is solely responsible to his or her self first. It is only when this behavioural pattern by virtue is cultivated that one can be responsible to his or her family and society. I strongly disagree in the weak belief that young women do not respect motherhood. Motherhood is an innate value and is affected by levels of societal freedom.
Roxy Sebastian
Sharjah

Today's women are more self-conscious and immensely mature in their thoughts and conduct. They consider motherhood as a gift and believe in their commitment towards the grooming of their progeny. Today, young, educated and talented women are sacrificing career and freedom and becoming "home-managers". This proves that women are sensible in their decisions and value the privilege of motherhood.
Smita Padmanabhan
Dubai

Both men and women respect motherhood, because they share a special bond with their mothers. From my experience, I have never come across a woman who doesn't care about or fosters any hatred towards motherhood. Every friend I have is excited by the idea of being a mother. However, it would help a lot if the fathers would support the woman to bring up their child.
Lionel Gonzaga
Sharjah