that there is no excuse for an inattentive parent. That's actually an oxymoron... inattentive parent.

I have total and complete respect and admiration for those who recognize that they aren't able to handle raising children, and decide to not have them or give them up to someone capable of truly parenting. I do not pass judgement, just as you have mentioned, but if there is something going on in your life that inhibits your ability to actually parent a child, you should at least have someone around that is fit to monitor and care for them, or concede legal guardianship to another.