The topic of disability and parenting and partnered status is so important, but more than I feel I can really get into adequately here. But it is noteworthy 1) that it is mostly single women who are most at risk for this type of attack, and 2) that even when married/partnered, I have only ever seen stories of children being taken away if the mother is the one with the disability (unless the father is specifically seen as an active, violent threat to the child/ren).

As you say, truly disturbing stuff. I’m going to go cuddle my family now, and be thankful I’m stable enough and we’re privileged enough that this isn’t happening to me, for I’m no better than her — or any of the women this happens to — only luckier.

I am utterly grateful for my reproductive rights on one end of the spectrum, but as a disabled parent, I’m acutely aware of my potential lack of rights on the other.

The Kerry Robertson story makes my blood boil — for several reasons. One, because I’ve been following the family courts/UK social services debaucle for over two years now, and (despite Jack Straw’s headway towards opening the family courts to the press) it shows NO signs of stopping. Kerry is one of a long line of women (primarily with mental health histories) in this situation. Two, because, unlike a lot of the other mothers, Kerry is unusual in that she is partnered with a co-parent who, by all accounts, is thoroughly capable — so the persecution appears to be widening from the longstanding “attack-the-single-mom” stance (which, of course, is deplorable in and of itself).

And on the issue of breastfeeding: the website of John Hemming, a Lib-Dem MP who champions the cause of parents’ rights, cites a case in which a mother had her infant taken into care on the basis of her breastfeeding on demand, as opposite to on a set schedule.

Truly disturbing stuff. I’m afraid to even consider relocating to the UK at this point (which I’m sure will make you breathe a sigh of relief ).