Deaf Like Me

Content Warning: This text includes ableist language, eugenicist ideas, and outdated terminology. This terminology is only used in direct quotes; otherwise, updated and inclusive language is used in this guide. Although Deaf Like Me only uses the term “deaf,” this guide uses deaf, Deaf, and d/Deaf as appropriate.

Tom and his wife Louise are worried about their unborn child. Louise is five months pregnant. Six months ago, their three-year-old son, Bruce, came down with rubella. Louise also contracted the disease and learned that she was pregnant, which meant that her fetus was at risk of some health problems. Louise and Tom saw a doctor who told them that there were only very low chances that rubella would hurt their baby. One day, Louise sees a family with a deaf child and is horrified by the sight of the child’s hearing aids. She worries that her baby will have a disability. Later, Louise goes into labor. Tom is relieved when he learns that Louise has given birth to a healthy baby girl, whom they name Lynn. The doctors assure them that if Lynn had any problems from being exposed to rubella, it would already be obvious.