Opinion: If Men Could Suddenly Get Pregnant
The Rules Would Change Dramatically and Overnight
The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade should come as no surprise, considering the events of the last few years. There's been a steady, organized effort to erode the individual rights of certain groups of people that the Religious Right deems as unworthy of Constitutional protections.
The Conservative arm of government is eager to control women's bodies; they've worked towards those means for a long time. They view unplanned pregnancy as a woman's problem; after all, the woman carries the child and must decide whether to keep it or choose another option.Â
But what about the man whose sperm fertilized her egg? We never hear of him. He contributed 50% to this new human being, but it’s like he doesn't exist. Few of these guys want the child; some offer to help with the expense of abortion, but most disappear at the first sign of accountability. Any accountability.
If the government believes it should regulate women's healthcare and reproductive needs, it must treat men equally.Â
For example, federal and/or state funds (depending on whether there's an eventual nationwide ban) should be designated for paternity tests and offered to anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy. A legal DNA paternity test with court-admissible results typically costs $300 to $500 and includes professional DNA collection.
In addition, once paternity is established, the government should set up a legal, binding arrangement where child support, visitation, etc., is determined through the age of 18. If Dad skips town (and can't be located), the child becomes the government's responsibility. Mom raises the child with tax dollars from her fellow constituents. Again, through the age of 18.
I'm sure that would go over like a turd in the proverbial punch bowl, yeah? The anti-abortion folks and their political representatives want to protect the baby...until it's born. Then they back away and refuse to assist with living expenses, educational needs, childcare, etc.Â
In a perfect world, abortion isn't necessary, but that's not the frightening reality. Sure, plenty of folks have sex willy-nilly without protection and become pregnant. However, that's not the case for everyone. It is a case for expanded sex education, free birth control, and holding men accountable, just as women are.Â
There are instances where the fetus isn't viable, or it's unsafe for the mother to carry the baby to term. In addition, there are victims of rape and incest, which often involves a child. Should we further traumatize children and adults already suffering the effects of sexual violence?Â
A one-size-fits-all-situations approach isn't appropriate. But, unfortunately, neither is the government telling us what we can and can't do with our bodies. That scares me more than anything.
The Framers believed a separation of church and state was necessary to protect both because not everyone shares the same beliefs, which should be okay in this country. So, for example, you're free to think that life begins at conception, while others are free to believe otherwise. (In the Jewish faith, a fetus isn’t considered a full person until birth.)
At 24, I was careless about birth control and became pregnant. I didn't want an abortion, so I didn't choose it. But I don't have the right to tell someone else what to do in their situation. Their bodily autonomy belongs to them exclusively.
If God exists, only he knows us intimately and understands our circumstances. So, what about the life that has yet to be born?
The Creator is the only one with the authority to judge us on this issue and will care for the unborn souls.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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