Is Love Enough? 2000
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th St., New York, NY 10016; 212-808-4980
Produced by Alan Handel, in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Directed by Tom Puchniak
VHS, color, 45 min.
College - Adult
Education, Health Sciences, Bioethics, Psychology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Nancy E. Frazier, E. H. Butler Library, State University of New York College at BuffaloIs love enough when intellectually disabled parents want to raise their children? The issue is addressed from several perspectives in this powerful film. Through a blend of vignettes featuring retarded adults as parents or prospective parents, family members, social services advocates and clergy, the film presents a balanced view of a challenging issue. Intellectually disabled parents have the human desire and legal right to become parents, but doesn’t a child have the right to a secure and stimulating environment?
Forcible sterilization of the mentally retarded ended in the 1970’s, though the controversy over their ability to become adequate parents continues. Most of the film is set in Canada, but an important program called ARC Allegheny in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is featured. Is Love Enough? presents several stories that provide excellent points for discussion. Susan is an intellectually disabled adult whose baby was removed from her care. She fights for her baby with the help of a social worker, a lawyer, and family members. MaryAnn, a college student with retarded parents, credits her aunt for providing necessary care and guidance during her teenage years. Vincent and Fran, intellectually disabled adults who agreed to give up their baby for adoption, then changed their minds, benefit from family assistance and a program through ARC Allegheny which provides support to anyone with an IQ under 70. Richard and Karen, intellectually disabled and married since 1995, are passionate in their desire to adopt a baby. As Richard says, “Just because we look different and talk different, we have love for each other and love to give a child. Everyone has a void; this is our void…give us a chance.” Such an adoption would be the first of its kind in North America.
Clear, intelligent narration and editing of touching stories make this film an excellent choice for college students, social service professionals, clergy and family members of the intellectually disabled.
Recommended for public, academic and subject-appropriate special collections.