If rights clash, the
vulnerable should prevail

According to a recent news report, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that a man who has fathered nine children by four women -- and who owes $25,000 in child support -- can be ordered not to father more children during a five-year probation unless he shows he can support them all.

One male justice wrote, "It is overwhelmingly obvious that any child he fathers in the future is doomed to a future of neglect, abuse, or worse."

Three female justices disagreed, saying having children is a basic human right guaranteed by the Constitution.

But when rights run up against each other, the right of a child to a safe, loving environment in which his or her basic needs are fulfilled outweighs the right of irresponsible men and women to keep having children they don't want and can't support.

The decision to have a child should be made by both potential parents after considering the huge commitment involved. Anything less is unfair to the child, and sad tales of abuse, torture and murder underscore the imperative of protecting children's rights. The court's ruling was a victory for powerless children.

--Charlotte Phillips

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