The latest issue of People magazine features a cover story about the famously large Duggar Family along with a chilling question:

“How Many Kids Are Too Many?”

The moment I heard that Josie, the Duggars’ 19th child, was born prematurely, weighing only 1 lb. 6 oz., I knew the stars of the TLC reality series 19 Kids and Counting would face some harsh criticism for continuing to have children despite the risks.

But really? This couple was facing some pretty tough criticism already.

Every time the Duggars announce a new pregnancy or welcome a new baby, the comments sections following the online news stories about them are filled with anger, hatred, and vulgarity.

No one deserves that kind of public bashing.

I’ve only watched the Duggars’ show a few times, but each time I come away impressed. However you feel about their super-size family or their evangelical faith, there is no denying that these people are genuine. They truly love one another and seek to know and do God’s will—even when it’s difficult. I’ve written before about how impressive I find Michelle Duggar’s calm, peaceful demeanor, but I think maybe tiny Josie will enable the family to bear an even more powerful witness to the more than 3 million viewers who tuned in for the show about her birth.

Really? 19 is too many? Who gets to decide that?

The People magazine cover question is just the beginning of what is sure to be increasingly vocal questioning about the value of large families.

How many children are too many?

At Life News, Maria Vitale responds with a pertinent question of her own: Is the Duggar Family Too Big or Are Our Hearts Too Small?

And of course there’s a life-affirming response to the People magazine question that Blessed Teresa of Calcutta gave us years ago:

“How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers.”