2:40 PM Update:
There’s been a change in plans, JAF friends! We just learned moments ago the interview on Larry King Live has been postponed — it involved a scheduling problem with the appearance of Abbie’s parents. But not to worry, when the interview is rescheduled, God will definitely use your prayers (He’s wonderful that way). More later… Joni
We’ve just heard from Joni, of Joni & Friends International Disability Center, that she will be appearing on Larry King Live tonight (Monday, April 26, 2010) to comment on the case of Abbie Dorn, the disabled woman whose ex-husb& has denied her the right to see her 4-year-old triplets.
Joni says, “Although significantly brain damaged as a result of post-delivery complications, Abbie can communicate: one long blink of the eyes for ‘yes,’ etc. As you well know, at Joni & Friends’ Family Retreats, we often have severely disabled people who communicate the same way… & their children are right there with them, by their wheelchairs.”
You can read more about Abbie Dorn by Googling or in the Los Angeles Times, “Judge allows parents of disabled woman to seek visitation rights on her behalf.”
She explains some history. . .
Just for some background, in 1979, the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of a quadriplegic father, William T. Carney, stating that physically disabled parents cannot be deprived of their children because of their disability. But some are asserting that there are key differences between these cases: Carney’s case dealt with custody of a physically disabled parent, while the Dorns’ involves visitation by a mentally incapacitated parent. I think that’s splitting hairs; as it concerns disability, I don’t see a difference… but this is where I need your prayers for God’s wisdom & words. Blessings on you &, again, thanks for interceding!
Please join me in prayer for this airing. Larry King had Joni on in 2004 (click to watch) or read the transcript of the program here. Please pray for wisdom, fairness of the host, words that reach people & of course, Joni’s comfort.
Check your programming schedule here.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up & judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor & needy.”
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- Court fight waged over brain-damaged mom’s triplets (cnn.com)
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