The Irony of Rose's Pregnancy
When Candy and Wally first are introduced, they are asking Dr. Larch for an abortion. They weren't prepared to be parents at that point in their lives. Afterwards, their son Angel becomes involved with Rose and finds that she is pregnant by her own abusive father, Mr Rose. Wally, Candy, and Homer all agree that giving Rose an abortion is the right thing to do. In giving birth to the second baby -- Angel -- Wally and Candy have also led to the death of another unborn baby -- Rose's child.
The Irony of Dr. Larch Performing Abortions and Running an Orphanage
Dr. Larch finds himself in a curious predicament with his orphanage and clinic. He's caring for these women and their children in whichever way he can. Oddly enough this means that sometimes he performs an abortion and then returns home to raise a bunch of orphans whom he delivered.
The Irony of Abortion
Abortion is a terribly emotional and contested subject. Strong arguments are found on both sides of the issue. In Dr. Larch's case he determines that to perform abortions, even though he opposes them, is better than to dismiss these women who will almost certainly seek abortions in less safe environments. He prefers to save the babies, but if a woman is determined not to be a mother, then he will do his best to protect her from physical and emotional trauma in an illegal abortion, so even though he's a critic, he performs abortions.
The Irony of Homer's Lie to Wally
Homer is an orphan who's been raised and protected and provided for by Dr. Larch. He was given a proverbial second chance at life by such a tender upbringing. When he is faced with his own crisis of parenthood, however, Homer abnegates. He is unwilling to deal with the conflict and expense of convincing Wally that Angel is actually his son. Instead, he quietly gives up his son. Being an abandoned child himself, Homer ends up, in a way, abandoning his own child.
The Irony of Dr. Larch's Aversion to Women
Dr. Larch experienced a traumatic incident with a prostitute when he was a young man. As a result, he has shut himself off from women and never wants to start a family. Ironically, however, he chooses to become an advocate for women by opening his clinic. He goes to great lengths, including breaking the law, in order to help these impoverished and abused women get their lives back on track. In the end, even though he blames women for most of his pain, he makes his life mission the protection of women.
