[Acrylic-bob]

It may be true to say that an infant has no influence over the marital status of its parents and thus cannot be blamed for the circumstances of its birth. On the other hand there are some schools of thought which would argue the opposite, insisting that the soul actively chooses the life that it is to be born into.

Generally speaking though the use of the terms "Bastard" and "Illegitimate" have been applied to such children for thousands of years without anyone thinking to change them for something nicer. If the words carry a negative or perjorative connotation then that is the result of such words being used to convey a meaning which is different to that which was originally the case. If you find offence in such words then may I respectfully suggest that the offence lies not in the word but in your own ear.