Are Deficits in Intelligence a Problem in Parenting?

Recently The Bombay High Court questioned whether a woman with intellectual disability has no right to become a mother. It opened up an important conversation: Can someone with cognitive deficits make a good parent? The woman’s adoptive father had filed the petition, stating that she couldn’t possibly raise a child as she was mentally incapable of doing so. The medical board’s assessment revealed that while the woman was not mentally unsound, she had borderline intellectual disability with 75 per cent IQ. The petitioner acknowledged that his daughter wished to proceed with the pregnancy. The court upheld her reproductive rights, putting forth an important question: “Because she has below-average intelligence, does she have no right to be a mother?” (Pti, 2025).

This case goes beyond its legalities. It’s also a case study on human dignity, parenting challenges, and the kind of society we want to build for individuals with disabilities. Let us closely look at the distinct challenges, and potential dangers parents with intellectual disabilities face and the resources available to support them as well.

Understanding Intellectual Disability

People lack a comprehensive understanding of intellectual disabilities and hold onto false notions of the same. Individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) find it difficult to reason, learn, solve problems, and adapt to daily life (About Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs), 2021). The woman in this case was found to have an IQ of 75, which means she has significant cognitive challenges. An IQ between 70 and 85 is classified as “Borderline Intellectual Functioning” but it is important to note that this is not exactly a diagnosis as per the DSM 5 (Gillette, 2024). Rather, it serves as a descriptive code.

But whether she can be seen as mentally “unsound” as claimed by her father is debatable as the term implies a severe distortion in thinking and judgement. It also overlooks the individual’s right to decide what they want for themselves. Even then, stigmatising labels are thrown around in everyday conversations, reducing people to their limitations and undermining their capabilities to a huge extent. These labels create an image of someone who is incapable of making decisions on their own volition, let alone parenting. However effective parenting is dependent on a lot more factors than an IQ score. It involves patience, emotional connection, and, more than anything, support.

The Challenges of Parenting with Cognitive Impairments

Parenting is challenging for everyone and even more so for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Cognitive deficits could make certain parenting aspects harder, for example, managing a baby’s unpredictable needs, planning in advance or figuring out things like health care or school. Such scenarios can lead to emotional distress or frustration and may even cause burnout if unaddressed.

For example, identifying the developmental milestones of a child or dealing with their behavioural problems may demand more effort and guidance. Without such support, even a parent with the best of intentions can become overwhelmed by these tasks, and as a result, providing consistent care becomes a lot more difficult. This does not mean they cannot be good parents but it does mean that with enough support, they can succeed (Parents With Intellectual Disabilities, 2024).

The Importance of Family

In this case, the role of the woman’s adoptive father becomes important. While his initial petition to terminate the pregnancy was denied, his responsibility as her primary support system remains critical. For parents with intellectual disabilities, family involvement can make a world of difference. Support from family members can look like helping with daily caregiving tasks, offering financial stability, or simply being a source of emotional encouragement. For the adoptive father, stepping up doesn’t just mean helping his daughter deal with the challenges of parenting, it means empowering her to succeed, despite her weaknesses.

Community Support and Interventions

Beyond family, communities and interventions play an important role in creating an environment where parents with intellectual disabilities can thrive. Parenting classes tailored for cognitive impairments, peer support groups, and access to social workers can go a long way. For instance, training programs for skills such as managing routines, responding to a baby’s cries, or coping with stress can boost confidence (Coren et al., 2018). Likewise, social workers trained in disability support can provide consistent guidance so that the parent feels capable of handling the challenges ahead.

Community acceptance is just as important. Those with intellectual disabilities are too often stigmatised and judged, making it even more isolating for them. If awareness and inclusion can be brought into society, people would be more likely to not only accept these parents but encourage them.

Moving Beyond Labels

At its core, this case pushes us to reconsider how we perceive people with intellectual disabilities. Is it by the number on an IQ test, or are they human beings with unique strengths and weaknesses and a capacity to grow? The court’s decision reflects a humanistic approach, recognizing that every individual has dignity and autonomy. Instead of stripping someone of their rights based on preconceived notions, it encourages us to ask: How can we help them succeed?

Building a Compassionate Society

This is not just the case of one woman or one case. It is a reminder of what kind of society we should strive to be, a society that looks at the potential rather than limitations, and support instead of judgment. Parenting will never be perfect. Every parent faces challenges, and there is no such thing as a textbook parent. For the intellectually disabled, the journey is harder, but it is certainly not impossible. With the right support systems in place such as family, community, and institutional resources, such individuals can nurture their children and lead full lives.

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