What is a child worth?

Like most of the people in this country today, I am still trying to come to terms with the "not guilty" verdict in the Casey Anthony murder trial. Most upsetting is the fact that her defense was that her precious child died "accidentally" and and she and her father hid the body - threw her baby non-apologetically in in the woods and walked away to go party and "get on" with life. Wow - that is your defense! And knowing that this defense actually set her free is making my mind spin wildly. Is this what we have come to? Are children so useless, so unloved in this society that we find it acceptable to just toss their dead bodies into creeks?
In yet, I see a lot of the value placed on children when people speak to me of my decision to come home. Why waste your gifts and talents? Waste? Really? Who best deserves my gifts and talents but my children? Who most deserves my time and my attention but my children? Who most deserves my blood, sweat, and tears buy my children?
I am investing in today and generations from now by ensuring my children are raised and educated in an environment filled with love, direction, encouragement, and yes some selfless sacrifice. I often think about the scripture in Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13 - "which both start with: if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children". Wow, think about that! Being evil, or "imperfect" there was still a human condition of wanting the best for your children. We have sunk so low that we aren't even capable of that.
I have been utterly shocked and amazed by the people who find it repulsive to even consider staying home and parenting as well as educating their children. I have been told by friends and colleagues that even if they didn't work, they would still put their youngest children in daycare. They can't imagine being home with the child they birthed. So, I am less shocked in the Anthony not guilty verdict. Many people want their children out of their hair, out of their face, out of their lives - even if for only 8 - 10 hours every day.