07-30-2006, 06:45 PM
Quote:So, given the situation, there are several possible solutions that could have prevented the tragedy, but each one has thorny issues of its own.
1. Forced sterilization--In hindsight, this could be considered an excellent solution, but what American in their right mind would advocate or support such a measure?
2. Involuntary commitment to a mental facility--This solution if applied judiciously could be of great benefit, but also carries with it the potential for abuse, and violates our cherished notions of liberty.
3. Abortion--In other words kill the kids before Mrs. Yates could. Would the children have been better off? Would she still experience the hormonal changes that precipitate the psychosis? Of course, this is an approach which is in widespread use.
4. Placement of the children in foster homes--This might work. The issues with it are obvious.
Unless you have a crystal ball that can predict who is going to murder their children and who isn't, these aren't worthy of consideration. From the information I've read about the case, this probably could have been prevented by far less drastic measures. She visited her pychiatrist just 2 days before the murders, so obviously he didn't see the threat. She had previously been on Haldol and no longer was... although we don't know if that would have made a difference or not. Her husband appears to be a total idiot or he could have prevented it by not leaving her alone with the kids (amongst the many bad choices he made in this case). Perhaps these things don't raise to the level of criminal negligance, but they didn't help the situation any.