Solomon Judges Medea: Experiences of Mothers With Intellectual Disabilities Whose Children Were Removed

Background

This paper explores experiences of mothers with intellectual disabilities, with an emphasis on oppressive circumstances and stereotypes that contribute to poorer antenatal and social outcomes for mothers and their children, potentially leading to child removal. Drawing parallels to archetypical figures of Solomon and Medea, we explore how society treats these mothers differently. The research question is: what social, institutional, and personal circumstances lead to the loss of parental rights for mothers with intellectual disabilities?

Method

We conducted a small qualitative study to explore the experiences of mothers with intellectual disabilities whose children had been removed in Lithuania. Twelve mothers participated in semi-structured interviews to examine the interplay of oppressive social, institutional, and personal factors contributing to the loss of their parental rights. A thematic analysis was conducted, identifying six key themes.

Results

The mothers in this study shared experiences of being trapped in cycles of abuse, feeling unsupported by others, and the emotional toll of separation from their children. Their experiences of being devalued and set up to fail resonate with stereotypical mother figures in the myths of Solomon and Medea.

Conclusions

Authority leverages its power to separate these mothers from their children and erase their maternal identity, punishing women who challenge traditional expectations of how a mother should behave.