There's no reason why you can't have another child." Laski…
““There's no reason why you can't have another child." Laski listened numbly. He thinks that's what has been at stake, our wish for a child, any child, not this particular child who swung down the road between us. They can't know how special he was. They point to the future. But we're here, forever, now. The nurse slipped Diane onto the wheeled table. "I have a needle for you," said the nurse. "No," said Diane, still refusing any anesthetic. "It's to dry up your milk," said the nurse.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The novel by William Kotzwinkle, 1990
A mother refuses medical intervention to stop lactation, highlighting personal autonomy and grief.
In simple terms: A mother says no to a medical procedure.
Key Takeaway
Respect personal choice.
Themes
family
medical ethics
grief
Mood
somber
intimate
conflicted
Type
narrative
dialogue
When to use this quote
- hospital setting
- family discussions
- end‑of‑life care
Key Concepts
autonomy
bodily integrity
parental love
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives a mother to reject help?
- How can caregivers balance care and autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Medical professionals may view refusal as risky.