There should be time for quiet reflection over the heartrending case of Penny Roberts who is paralysed and expecting a baby.

The obvious knee-jerk reactions must be tempered with the practical difficulties Penny and her baby will face.

Bradford council's social services assistant director Mike Stow rightly states that it is a complicated and highly unusual case. All options must be looked at, while taking into account the wishes and care-needs of Penny - who would be a lone parent without family support - and the best interests of the child.

There are claims that the baby could be taken into care as the cost of providing home care for mother and baby could be too high. Both Penny and her baby would need constant round-the-clock care. But budgets are not limitless.

Without added complications, it should not be forgotten that the father has a role of responsibility.

It won't be long before a decision has to be made and our hearts go out to those involved in making painful decisions over what should be a wondrous and joyful occasion.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.