A Baby's Bill of Rights

I have a right to
be seen 

as an innocent and vulnerable human being
in need of 

caring care in many ways.

I have the right to
be understood 

as a fully embodied Soul

I have the right not to
 have to 

justify my existence

I have the right to
have my ongoing needs for 

shelter, quiet, calm voices, 

to hear the heartbeat of a mother, 

to be held, sung to, comforted.

I have the right to

 identify myself differently

 - a human being- 

rather than an alien or other legalese term

I have a right to 

keep my natal language 

and to also learn a new language

I have a right to 

be seen as a baby, 

not as chattel, 

not as a detainee

I have the right to 

sleep in a bed, 

to be protected from predators, 

to have a full night's sleep, 

to be fed nutritious food.

I have the right to 

receive medical care with 

a mother's insight and touch instead of 

a via a governmental or ruling hierarchy mandate.

 I have a right to live in sanitary conditions.

I have the right to

 be with my familiares, 

relatives, brothers and sisters, 

primos, cousins, tios y tias 

y mami y papi y abuelos.

I have the right not to 

be shamed because of 

my nationality, 

race or ethnicity or religion.

I have the right to 

grow up in dignity, 

to be treated with integrity,

 to be treated as others would want 

their precious children treated...

I have a right to 

have my first cry answered right away, 

not to be forced into distressed weeping 

and despairing sobbing, 

and finally dead silence 

I have the right to 

sunshine, clean air, clean water, 

to see the stars in the night, 

to songs and music and art, 

to have simple toys, 

to laugh and to be happy.

Clarissa Pinkola Estés