In 2024, discrimination due to disability and even maternity is still common

In recent days, the communicator and influencer of inclusion, Daniela Aza, went viral for her response to negative comments about her motherhood, to which she responded in an ironic way and educated about the importance of breaking down prejudices.

Daniela has multiple congenital arthrogryposis and when she was very young, doctors told her parents that she would not be able to walk, but against all odds, she broke down physical barriers: she underwent 15 surgeries and various treatments to correct the curvatures of her upper and lower limbs, since this clinical syndrome is characterized by contractures and stiffness of several joints, which are non-progressive and appear in the prenatal period.

Today she fulfills one of her greatest dreams, she is pregnant and will soon become Lucas’ mother, defying all odds.

In recent days, there have been many attacks on social media, a true reflection of the fact that as a society we still have not left discrimination behind. Among many others, she received comments such as “how irresponsible to bring a baby in that health condition, he is not a toy”, “poor child”, “he will be bullied at school”.

“Although I have a very loving community on social media, aggressive messages linked to discrimination and ignorance always appear. And now they are highly associated with motherhood,” explains Daniela Aza. “When we talk about disability and pregnancy, it is often believed that they do not go hand in hand and that they are not compatible. In fact, there are myths and, above all, a lack of knowledge that means that many people assume that this is not possible or that it will lead to multiple problems,” she points out.

Without going any further, women with disabilities who want to be mothers or who are planning a pregnancy, in addition to facing a social barrier, also have a general tendency to think that they will not be able to care for or look after their son or daughter. Unfortunately, motherhood and disability are still a taboo subject that is rarely addressed and, when it is, it is done with compassion or pity. Support to face motherhood is still few. In general, limitations are noted in expressions such as: “You won’t be able to chase him away if he escapes,” “You won’t be able to hold him in your arms.” Prejudices, lack of visibility without opening the mind to other possibilities of motherhood. She shows that a diagnosis is not a destiny. Today, happiness is complete and they anxiously await the arrival of their baby. They still remember when they had their first ultrasound: “We saw something tiny, and we barely reacted, but when we heard the heartbeat we started to cry with happiness,” she concludes.

Who are the haters?

Bullies are people who use the internet and social media to attack, mock or otherwise try to create a negative impact on the person they target. These hurtful and negative comments can be made in person, online, through text messages and apps.

Comments and behaviors are often repeated over time. Haters are often anonymous (especially on the Internet), but they can also be acquaintances, colleagues, or people who were once friends.