Sextuplet Parents Stand Firm with Faith despite Losing 4 Babies

By Doug Huntington, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, June 30, 2007

With the death of four their six sextuplet children within a week of birth, two Minnesota natives are standing as models of faith.

Several groups have looked at their recent tragedy and questioned whether or not it would have been better to have a multifetal reduction, a procedure where random fetuses are removed from the womb, to give the remaining children a chance to live.

While some feel that such a measure would be ethical, Ryan and Brianna Morrison have stood up for what they felt was right for their children.

"We understand that the risk is high, but we also understand that these little ones are much more than six fetuses," they wrote before the babies were born. "Each one of them is a miracle given to us by God."

Two recent sextuplet cases, the one in Minnesota and another in Arizona, have highlighted the risks of a multiple-baby birth. Such pregnancies prove to be serious risk factors to the mother as well as to the other children in the womb. As the number of babies rises, so do the chances for premature births and medical conditions such as cerebral palsy and mental retardation.

Abortions of some of the fetuses early in the pregnancy can help increase the chances for survival for at least a few of the babies as well as their overall health, but is such a procedure ethical for a religious person?

The Morrisons' decision has led to a premature birth of her own sextuplets on June 10, 4 ½ months early. Three sons died within the first week, a daughter passed away last Saturday, while the other two children – Lucia Rae and Sylas Christopher – are in critical condition.

Their tragedy comes after three heartbreaking miscarriages over years of using fertility drugs.

Despite what has happened, the two are showing amazing strength and a deep faith towards God.

"Though our difficult time continues, our faith remains strong," explained the couple in a statement from the hospital. "Our families, friends, and churches have provided us with great comfort, for which we are deeply grateful."

The Morrisons have endured so far with much grace, at a time where it would be difficult. And their decision has been, for many, an example of great faith.

The two are asking for supporters to continue praying for them.