With the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, the precedent had been set- abortion is legal . The decision was highly influenced because of an emotional appeal that had been made by the Roe party. Her attorneys suggested that men (who were the decision makers) are in no position to deem abortion immoral because of their lack of empathy to- or experience of- being a woman. The topic of abortion is obviously a sensitive issue, because it borders the line of many sensitive subjects; the female anatomy, religious doctrines, our beliefs of right and wrong, and our own prescriptions on life. However, as we modernize the issue, the question becomes: Who controls whether the abortion happens? And if there is a disagreement between man and woman about getting an abortion, who has the last say? This argument, given the sensitivities I have aforementioned, involves way more than jurisdiction. Just because the woman houses the body (some people consider it a fetus) surely cannot mean that she possesses primary decision of the fate of the child, does it? Two people play a role in conception, so two people should play just as vital role in deciding what is rejected, so to speak. However, I think at the heart of the argument, there is even a larger issue- yet so simplistic. Who controls the decision to abort or not to abort is easily answered based on your response to the following question: Who does the baby belong to? The man or the woman?
Grass cannot grow without its fertilizer- be it manure or water. However, water is pointless if there is no grass to grow. And fertilizer is just as insignificant if there is no grass to fertilize. However, to give authority to the woman to abort is to give sovereignty to the female- which thus eliminates the agency of the male. Furthermore, social constructs probably play the largest role in the decision. Some may argue because the woman carries the body, they feel connected to the new-born baby, and thus, bare a larger burden on the upraising of the baby, regardless of its fate. Also, given the social phenomena of the baby-daddy-never-around-drama, especially in the black community, society is more willing to give the decision to the woman, because 66 % of the time she is raising the child on her own, or without the help that she should have. With that reality, I would certainly consider giving the woman control to whether or not the child should be aborted. However, as I have mentioned, grass cannot grow without fertilizer, so the man has to be consulted or considered, or even given the majority decision. Given the social constructs, and various factors- such as the importance of father figures and male role models in a youths’ life, and the disappearance of such figures in the beloved community, I would suggest that the minority be given the control.
Men have to be in the drivers seat on whether or not an abortion should take place. Abortion is not a women’s rights’ issue, it is everyone’s issue. However, I am suggesting that if the chicken became an endangered species, and if all of humanity needs chicken- I would ask that chicken if it is okay to kill a worm or let that worm live. If a father says he doesn’t want the child, then why should the child be raised with only one parent who wants him. Even more discouraging, why would you have unprotected sex with someone who is not prepared for fatherhood (but that’s a larger argument). Also, if the woman really does gain attachment to the child during the fetus rearing process, even if she didn’t initially want the child- by birth wouldn’t she be welcoming to the infants‘ existence? As we know, this is not the case for men. Ask for the testimony of a single black mother who has been dying to get her child’s father involved. A man who is willing to be engaged in his children’s life is something that has to be considered, even if the mother is leaning towards abortion. The endangered element has to allow some potential mothers to adapt their perspective and allow the man to decide.
Ironically, he is given the choice any other time. He is given the choice to have sex with a woman. Then, he is often given the choice on whether to be protected or not. And even beyond that, he is often given the choice to ejaculate inside the woman’s body. Yet, he is given little authority when it comes to keeping or aborting a child. The fertilization of a fetus, child, pregnancy, etc., is almost always in the hands of man! The decision the woman makes to “lay down” for the man is only a part of the unity. The birth of the child is dependent upon the man’s action. The man literally controls the child. So with my logic, the actual birth of the child should be dependent upon the man’s decision. Once that very real reality is compounded with the societal need for fathers, then the decision is simple: Daddy will tell you yes. Sperm donor will tell you no. Listen to the man. It wont be the first time you will have been made vulnerable to his decision.
-Derrick Reed
I agree with you that abortion is not just a women’s issue, but an “everyone’s” issue. I really do not agree with a woman aborting her baby without notifying her significant other, unless in the extreme and unfortunate example of a woman being raped. I do believe that if you are engaging in sex it should be with someone who you would be comfortable having a child with. If a woman does end up pregnant, I believe the man has the right to know, and his feeling should be accounted for, especially if he is willing and ready to take care of a child.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I disagree with your stance that a man should decide whether a woman has the right to abort her baby (and yes I did say her, because it is inside her body). Some women may never want to have children, so should that stop them from having sex? Also, while men are presented with the choice to have sex, I believe that the woman is the one who ultimately decides if they will take that next step or not. Furthermore, it is not dependent upon a man to get a woman pregnant because she may not be ovulating and also she may be challenged in the reproductive area. While the man provides the semen, it is ultimately up to the woman’s body (eggs) to create a baby. Therefore, the man does not control the fetus of the baby either.
Also, women who have children face factors that historically and traditionally men have not. When a couple has a child a division of labor and roles must occur: someone must work to provide for the child, while another must look after the child. In some cases, usually couples who have a supportive family and/or economically sound, this division does not need to happen. But for many cases it does. For a woman who is 20 something to get pregnant it will cause her to alter her life plans, ambitions, and goals, something a man does not have to do because he is not physically carrying the child. Women regardless of socioeconomic class are often presented with the decision, and society will make a woman feel as though it is impossible to maintain a career/school and raise a child. Personally, I believe women are made to feel like they need to choose one or another. For a woman to feel as though she has not accomplished her personal life goals, having a baby may feel like a daunting task that she is not ready to endure, regardless of her partners emotions/feelings on the subject.
So while I believe I conversation should take place and a man’s feelings should be accounted for, I believe a man should not have authority over a woman’s body and her choice. While your argument may work in theory, in reality and in practicality I don’t see it facilitating in today’s American society. That’s all…I got to get back to work now lol.
My argument is not based on external scientific circumstances that prevent childbirth. It is more-so based on the ideal, or notion, of conception. In order for childbirth to take place, while actually in the process of intercourse, it is largely up to the male to decide what happens- even in some cases where he may be careless of what happens. And to be honest, I argue that women do not have control to whether or not they allow a man to sleep with them. And given the circumstances and crave for sex our society has, it certainly doesnt take much to get to that level.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I understand the "workplace" issues and disparities that women place heading into childhood. in addition, i understand the circumstances in which some women would decide to get abortions. However, these traditional limitations are not exclusive to young women. A mid- 20s young male also feels a similar pressure to leave school to work in order to take care of the child. He is also likely to “give up” on his dreams. The very real traditional/historical pressure women feel is no more or less stringent than what the man feels- especially those of African descent. Areas in which women feel freedom are also areas in which men are restricted. With that being said, then why would a womans' historical "conceived" notions and limitations be more valued when it comes to child-rearing. I believe you are agreeing with my point about the societal construct/ and assumption of women bearing the brunt of the child.
Regarding your argument on whether or not I see my opinion "facilitating" in todays society. Alternative solutions or different perspectives have rarely been considered "realistic"- and personally, I think that is why I am PH.D material. In addition, I have not proposed anything become facilitated, nor institutionalized. The argument is based on providing men and women with a perspective to why men should have the decision on not whether or not the child should be aborted. Because if its everyone's problem, it obviously cannot be HER baby. I am asserting that men already possess dominion over whether or not the child will exist, or even make an attempt at existing. I am not understanding your point about practicality because I did not suggest any program, plan of action, or even hint towards such a thing. Also, I feel the practicality statement is a cop-out to diminish critical thought. I am all for suggesting "realistic" approaches to issues. However, if we fail to understand the realism in the fact that MAN decides if he is going to ejaculate, and ejaculate meaning to inject life into a woman, than what are you suggesting? Does the woman, during intercourse, have any decision in whether conception happens (understanding that birth control pills exist). During the entire time of intercourse, woman makes herself vulnerable to man. She becomes vulnerable to pain just as much as pleasure. She becomes vulnerable to rape (even if she started but now wants him to stop) just as much as consolation, and she becomes vulnerable to pregnancy just as much as she is to HIV. Under such logic, why would she not become vulnerable to male's decision on whether or not to keep the child because it was mans decision to "start" the child. In fact women will choose to have baby out of spite even if the father doesn’t want to have one simply based on that sentiment- that they should finish what they start. So why is it when I contend that that same authority be given to men just as you "give" him the authority to "go inside you" when it comes to pregnancies, is it considered unpractical? It seems as if it is cohesive logic. But you are right, very little seems to have logic in "american society", so maybe it is unrealistic and impractical... But my intention was to provoke sensible thought and to realize the reality of the issue- which is something most of these abortees arent acknowledging anyways
The Male role in the critical decision of abortion is vital! When we examine the key factors in the argument, we discover that the conclusion and the premises don't accurately add up. The scenario where the male does not have a voice in the abortion of a fetus, but still has to play a major part in the child's life is a direct contradiction to the “offspring" process. I argue that the decision to have a child should be largely on the father since he is the giver of life (the developing fetus) and is expected to cultivate the new born life as a father, teacher and coach etc...
ReplyDeleteBefore I make any further points I want to lay a stable foundation from which I will properly make my argument. First we have to look at the key “players" involved in the abortion scenario. On one side we have a female and on the other a male. The roles and expectations for each player is drastically different. In many cases the women has the forethought that she will be the sole provider, the “FAITHFUL MOTHER". Often the male feels overwhelmed and pressured to “do something" or "step up". The two players from day one of the “I’m pregnant" saga are at conflict.
Next we have to consider the situation(s) that surround the pregnancy. Every pregnancy has a story behind it loaded with issues, challenges and conflicts. I understand that some people plan to have children but that still does not take away from the pressures intrinsically or externally that you will face. Despite the feelings you have optimistic or negative they do affect your thoughts.
Last we have to review the male role in every pregnancy to see if he should have a role in any abortion. Let's dig deeper into the male’s roles and expectations. Men our expected to be the “superman" to their children. They must provide in countless ways, discipline, correction, nurture, explain, love, teach, encourage, and the list goes on. My argument is simple yet holistic; men should have the dominant decision power in the case of abortion. When we tediously review what the male is expected to do before the child is born we should give him a greater level of respect in the pre-birth stage.
-Marcellus Taylor
I think that this is a very interesting topic. Being a female with two daughters I try to make them aware of all the issue they will come across in life. I do think that both people should have a right to say what they want. However, if a woman states that she wants to have an abortion and the male is against it, he should be willing to raise that child without her after the birth. If the male wants the abortion and the female does not she should be willing to do the same without going back to him at a later time for any type of support or contact. Each person should understand that what they are agreeing to is their version of abortion. Example, the male can not come along later and state that he wants to see his son...He aborted those rights. You then have to think...who is paying for these decisions in the long run. THE CHILD. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteFelicita
When it comes to abortion, men have the same "rights" as the woman. In my opinion, this only should apply if the couple is in a relationship (relationship meaning repeated intimate interactions, emotional attachment,and the need fulfillment. In that case the couple at hand are if I may say "boyfriend/girlfriend". Throughout the relationship they have shared decisions on where to have dinner, what movie to see and even to have sex or not. Then that should be a decision for the both of them.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the women should talk the abortion over with her mate (if in a relationship). In some cases, when women and even some men define themselves I'm assuming they would say that they are here to pleasure, provide, procreate, protect and perform. Men really provide an essential role in the continuation of the human race. Almost every man, whether he verbalizes it or not, values the idea of having offspring of his own flesh and blood, someone to carry on his name.
Also, I believe we also need educational reform. In the junior high schools and high schools professional sex educators need to legitimize the discussion of constructive male involvement in abortion decision making.
With abortion, I'm pro-life. No matter what the situation is whether it's rape, or wanting to have sex you must take the responsibilities of taking care of the child. If you get an abortion b/c of whether your not ready for one or finicial issues, your killing an child that has yet to get a chance to live and your being showing selfishness b/c you wasn't ready to accept the consequences of your actions. So whether it's life or how people would say it "pre-life", why should an unborn child pay it's life that it hasn't lived yet because you didn't want to have the child??
ReplyDeleteKris,
ReplyDeleteYou make an interesting argument however I have to disagree. In many cases we refer to abortions as "mistakes" or "having an issue". Since that is true then why are we as a society so infatuated with being pro-life. I believe that "LIFE" is a set of stages. They include but are not limited to infancy,adolescents, manhood/womanhood and elder-ship. If we keep this in mind and consider our general response to males/females in each of these stages we would see that our society is anti-life. ........
As for the decision of a child’s birth being the control of the men, that is BS. First lets look at the three choices a man has through out the process, as you pointed out. He is given the choice to have sex with a woman. With no birth control being 100% he has already opened himself up the possibility of having a child. If he then chooses to not use birth control, he has now increased his odds even further of bring a child into the world. As for the third, that goes without saying. So now a man has made all these choices in the process of making a child, and has gone through with it. Your telling me that now that the women is pregnant and the horse is out of the barn (so to speak) that now he should have the choice on whether a child is born or not? I think not. Don’t get me wrong there should be a discussion, but the final choice is not the mans to make. Just looking at the notion that a woman becomes a mother the moment she becomes pregnant and a man becomes a father the first time he holds his child, a lot of men don’t realize they want it till they hold their baby. Some of these men if they had the sole choice would not have become fathers and would truly be missing out.
ReplyDelete