Alison Place (cunningly disguised as Ian Gorlick) commented on my Childbirth article from #134 (twice):
"Concerning the use of a diviner, I agree with Martin. I think
that a very poor
divination result would result in the woman being encouraged to abort
the child.
A damaged child is very hard to bring up. However, any hint that the
child
would cause the downfall of the family is probably impossible to get,
due to the
restrictions of the Compromise. Therefore, there shouldn't be any
self-fulfilling prophecies such as those in the Oedipus story."
This is what I had in mind also. There would probably be herbal or magical abortifacients available somewhere. Also, I just remembered reading about an ancient contraceptive made from a plant called Silphium, which was so effective that the plant was wiped out from excessive demand. No one today knows much about it, except that it was apparently related to the fennel plant.
Though I have no proof, I think that some cultures on Glorantha must expose unwanted children. Probably the Praxians do; the Lunars probably do not, though.
BTW, I'm surprised that Sandy hasn't brought up a little tidbit he once shared with me on a related topic: there is no venereal disease in Glorantha.
GUY HOYLE: Internet guy.hoyl
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