Complexities of abortion and related issues

[peacetraveler22]

During my school years, I was constantly indoctrinated with pro-life agendas. Abortion - one of the greatest mortal sins a woman can commit, and an overall stain on society that females have the right to legally terminate pregnancies without the consent of the "father." I once even wore a t-shirt in support of this movement and went to the annual March for Life rallies that occur each year in Washington, DC.

Then, I grew up, and realized shit happens. There are many complications and difficult decisions humans must face throughout their lifetimes, often tied to love, sex and family relationships. Any commuter in the Washington, DC area has seen this truck numerous times. It sits parked on various city streets with all kinds of extreme right-winged and religious rhetoric plastered all over it, but the owner's main platform and objective in life is to reverse Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortions in America. The decision was rendered in 1973 - the year I was born.

To advocate this platform, the truck is decorated with images of aborted fetuses, human tissue, and photos of women plagued with guilt and regret over their decision to abort. And each time I pass this truck, as this morning, I anxiously hope the driver will be sitting in it. Because I would pull over in a heartbeat and engage this man in conversation to understand more about the foundation for his positions and beliefs. I think it would certainly be the debate of my lifetime. :) But, alas, now I simply must look at these graphic images each morning at 6 a.m. when I'm pulling into my office garage, and think about his other favorite slogans - "Jesus Wept" and "Jesus Saves."



There is no greater responsibility in life than bringing children into the world and caring for them in a manner that produces healthy, productive adults who contribute something to society. I don't know when life begins. If it's the moment of conception, three months later, six months...but I 100% support legal abortions now. You need only to work in family law, or the child/foster care systems to see the impacts of all of these unwanted babies brought into the world. And I wonder what these people who are so against abortions do to help these kids? Do they volunteer to work with abused/neglected children, adopt the unwanted babies, or apply to be foster parents to care for them? My platform - pro-immigration, and I don't simply sit and bitch about it, but do something in my legal capacity to help refugees and asylum seekers start new lives in the USA.

I'm a very tolerant person, and advocate for expression in any form, even for agendas like this to which I'm strongly opposed. However, it's a trigger point for me when male politicians, or men in general, try to dictate what a woman should do with her body. The way she should look, carry herself, and especially with issues of sexuality. I don't support any type of legislation that requires the legal consent of a father for abortion, or similarly, no male consent should be required for a woman to carry a pregnancy to full term if it's her desire. If a man is having sex, he bears the risks and burdens that come with it - this includes conception and financial support for offspring.

Recently in Switzerland, legislation was proposed that would permit "legal abortions" for men, giving them the opportunity to opt-out of parental rights and financial responsibility up to the 18th week. There was immediate outrage and rejection over the legislation by mass society. And what do you think of this idea?

If you have questions for the religious prophet and driver of this truck parked in Washington, DC, please share in the comments. I will be pleased to share your questions from the other side of the globe, if I ever get the opportunity to meet him.