Would You Sacrifice Your Child to Save the World?

Imagine waking up one morning to the news that the world is shutting down again. Another pandemic. This time, it’s deadlier, spreading faster than anything we’ve ever seen before. People are panicking, countries closing their borders, and the whole world is hanging on a thin line. But then, out of all the chaos, scientists make a shocking discovery, the cure is inside your child. Your one and only child. And to get this cure, your child might have to die. Now the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

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I don't think anyone can fully understand what this kind of situation feels like unless you're the parent involved. It's easy to say "yes, save the world," or "no, my child comes first" when you're on the outside looking in. But when it’s your own flesh and blood, it’s a completely different kind of pain. Especially when you’ve been told you’ll never be able to give birth again.

I love my child more than anything else. He’s my world. I carried him for nine months, stayed up countless nights when he cried, and watched him grow into this beautiful soul that lights up my life every single day. Thinking of losing him feels like my heart is being ripped into pieces. But at the same time, knowing that millions, possibly billions, of people could die if I say no, it’s a kind of guilt that could haunt me forever.

If my child is old enough, say like 13 or older, then I feel the decision should be his to make. I’d sit him down and explain everything in the calmest way possible. Let him understand that the world needs him, but also let him know that I need him too. And if he decides he wants to make that sacrifice, then I’ll stand behind him. I’ll cry, I’ll break, but I’ll be proud.

But if he’s still a kid, 5, 6, or 7 years old, I can't just hand him over. Children that young can’t even decide what they want for breakfast sometimes. In that case, I’ll have to fight. I’d beg the scientists to find another way. Let them do their job and work round the clock to extract whatever is needed without harming him. I believe in science, and if this child carries the cure, then surely there's a way to get it out safely, right?

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I know some people would judge me for not just giving my child up immediately. But let’s be real, would you? Can anyone honestly say they’ll just give up their only child without even thinking twice? We’re human.

I pray no one ever has to make such a decision. But if the world ever does turn that dark, I pray it finds its light again, even if it comes at the highest cost.