Comments on A topic I have never discussed - Abortion

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In response to RITE2SPIN, cantey_1975, OTA., Luz_Briar, RedStatesMan,

kooka_lives, calia14 and Fledgeling_Phoenix.

First off, a belated welcome to Blogit for: calia14 and Fledgeling_Phoenix

I've not been able to find the time to answer all of your comments individually but hope to address most of the points made in one response.

As most of you know, I cannot be bothered with solutions for anything that begin with "if only" . . . as in: If only humans would stop being human. On a more specific scale, our societies have created the environment, complete with what we endorse, approve and condemn, within which abortion has become accepted by some and over used. It is a multi faceted issue and there are no simple solutions to complex problems such as this, especially when it involves change in prevailing social attitudes. All we can really do as individuals and in some regards collectively, is deal with reality as we attempt to influence our own small social realms.

For parents, this begins with how we raise our children, what we expose them to and what values we instill in them. We must also acknowledge the reality that society has a different set of rules for females and males, however unjust this may be. "Reality" is the key word here. Society by virtue of how we sell our products, how we view the human body and treat human sexuality in public domain, has created an environment whereby virtually no one can escape being exposed to that which endorses becoming sexually active. This is especially true of impressionable young minds. To send them into this social environment without preparing them is unconscionable, I'm speaking of truly comprehensive sex education.

Of course, there are people that want to argue that abstinence is the answer and that to teach sex education and to make contraceptives available is to promote becoming sexually active amongst young people. This argument has some merit in the fact that making contraceptives available does in fact make the decision to become sexually active easier for young people subjected to peer pressure to do so. But balanced against the reality that abstinence has and always will be an abysmal failure, there is no real choice. It is at this stage in the lives of young people where sex education is critical and can have long lasting positive effects on society.

Sex education cannot be simply; this goes here and this happens when you do this, it must be the entire picture. From social repercussions and realities, to STD prevention, to individual responsibilities.

posted by gomedome on November 29, 2008 at 9:00 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Perhaps ypu're right.

It takes a man and a woman to make a baby. Yes, men need to think with the correct head. Men are just as much to blame as women. Don't get me wrong, sex is incredibly great but especially young people must understand their responsibilities. It is a human life. Easier said than done if we just think about when we were young, huh?

posted by RedStatesMan on November 28, 2008 at 7:00 PM | link to this | reply

Perhaps ypu're right.

Women should in fact keep their knees together if they don't intend to be accountable for the possible outcome of their actions. However, women don't get pregnant from spreading their legs last I checked. As a woman, I feel fairly certain in this fact. Men need to take responsibility for their actions as well. Interesting read. Thank you for your thoughts.

posted by Fledgeling_Phoenix on November 28, 2008 at 12:49 PM | link to this | reply

I've always been pro-choice

and I suppose that's strange, because my mother called to cancel on the day that perhaps my existence should've ended. Her experience left me with an impression that it takes a brave and dedicated person to go to full term with a pregnancy, and an even braver person to go through the full raising process. My mother is brave, and strong, and I'm glad she was completely honest with me, because it gives me a fuller appreciation for life. I agree with most everything that you've said, but in my opinion, there are situations that warrant abortion. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't agree with all cases of abortion; I just think the option should be there. I agree wholehearedly with your statements that birth control and adoption should be pushed, teenage pregnancies less stigmatized, and unwed mothers empathized with. If a woman is pregnant not of her own choosing, however, if she knows there will be health risks to herself and the baby in carrying to term, or mental and/or physical problems with the baby, I think abortion is a valid option. Your piece is well written though, and much more thought out than many pro-life arguements.

posted by calia14 on November 27, 2008 at 9:36 PM | link to this | reply

Gomedome, I agree

The problem is that right now due to how our society treats sex, we are stuck with some very harmful problems. We still have the group that foolishly preaches abstinence only, and does not actually teach our youth responsibility or give them all the real options.

The only way to actually rid ourselves of the abortion problem is to work as a society to change our attitudes. We need to stop begin so afraid of being honest with our kids about sex. We need to stop promoting a negative and harmful attitude towards the young ladies who end up pregnant while still in school and unmarried. We need to make sure our children are confident, knowledgeable and able to do what is right in the end.

But as long as here is a stigma against birth control and sex in general and that we as a society look down and basically dehumanize the girls who get pregnant at a young age, abortions will not go away.

For the time being, like it or not, we need to accept that abortions will take place and understand that the protests and the violence are not going to change a thing. If enough of the anti-abortion people would start to think clearly on this and work at it from the correct perspective, then we might start seeing he needed change. The problem is they are too stubborn and would rather act out foolishly than work towards a real solution.

posted by kooka_lives on November 27, 2008 at 6:39 PM | link to this | reply

WOW!

How enjoyable this read was for me! I will refrain from discussing the rest of the story because it will bring God into it so I will say that the way you developed your stance on this issue was incredible! It actually blew me away due to the fact I kept asking myself why can't dems and/or liberals can not understand this?

The presentation of your beliefs on this topic were so straightforward. I thought it interesting that you had a visit to the hospital and actually was able to draw your conclusions from what you witnessed. That was the utmost opportunity in developing your beliefs. Nothing like a life experience! You are 100% correct on this view.

I would like to add that nowadays you see the sonogram photos everywhere. I see them from pregnant women in the office, I see women showing them to others in the grocery store, drug store, everywhere! How can anyone look at these photos and not come to the same conclusion as you just did?!? Abortion is murder pure and simple.

Thank you for a great post! This time,

posted by RedStatesMan on November 27, 2008 at 5:24 PM | link to this | reply

society needs to ease up on the double standard enforced on women, and i honestly beleive less abortions would happen if young girls didn't feel so guilty of being pregnant. a little support goes a long way

posted by Luz_Briar on November 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM | link to this | reply

Gomedome, Thank you for sharing your own views on this very sensitive subject. I myself would probably be labeled pro-life as well. Being female I can see the side of having control over my body as I am not sure any man can see just because they don't have the capacity to physically give birth. Having said that, I also agree with you. Once a life is conceived.. a life is and I have no right to abort / kill another human being for my own convenience. My own mother was adopted many years ago. Her mother tried to keep her for almost a year but was unable to support her. If she had aborted her, she would not be, I would not be, my children would not be and we would not be having this conversation. I am grateful to her for her courage. Sorry for the rambling comment, but this is a subject dear to my heart. ~Peace, OTA

posted by Blue_feathers on November 27, 2008 at 4:33 AM | link to this | reply

rereading this post

It is very brilliant and refreshing.

Now not to put words in your post, but I have to say that I find abortion detestable on the same frequency that you do. A frequency that truly is unencumbered by religious influence. It offends all decent and rational sensabilities, and, one would hope, fundamental respect for human life.

Not to mention the disgusting argument regarding the "right to control over my body" crap.