Digital Analogue
Comments: More on abortion

I don't like abortion, and I wish more women would choose not to have them. But even more than that, I wish our society didn't put so many women—and young girls—into situations where they felt that was their best option.

Indeed. Many people seem to lose sight of that aspect of the debate. I would hope that almost everyone on both sides of the debate want as few as possible abortions performed. Abortion is not a good choice, but in many situations, the other choices are worse.

There are a few anti-abortion Christian groups who are focused on trying to reduce and/or mitigate the reasons why some women get abortions. I've heard of groups who will help house a mother-to-be, make sure she gets adequate health care, and assists in the adoption process after birth.

We don't hear about such efforts often, which is unfortunate. It is the yelling protestors who make the news, typically.

Teaching abstinance isn't anywhere close to a complete solution either, in my view. Some people are very good at turning off their lizard brain instincts, but not everyone is. And that isn't going to change.

Posted by ansible at 6:20pm on 28 Jan 2006
Freakanomics by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner [Amazon.com]

Not sure what this book has to do with abortion? I highly suggest you read it and find out.

Personally (and particularly as a male), I can't see how I should have any say in what any woman chooses to do with herself or her unborn baby. For that reason alone I'm pro-choice, but that's beside the point at the moment. To be blunt, I have absolutely no interest in actually arguing pro-choice/pro-life myself, but I don't mind absorbing others' ideas. To that end, the linked-to book has what I consider to be an intriguing correlation with the legalization of abortion that's worth a look. If nothing else I'm sure it'll get someone around here riled, and I just love to instigate a good argument.

Posted by Brian at 7:17pm on 28 Jan 2006
Brian -- I think it's more complicated than that; anyone should have a say in how their (potential) offspring is treated. It's just that, given biology, a woman's right to bodily integrity trumps a man's interest in his potential offspring.
Posted by Kimmitt at 9:28pm on 28 Jan 2006
I could not have said it better myself, Don. Thank you for writing this and sending it to be published. *two thumbs up*
Posted by julietta at 1:25pm on 31 Jan 2006
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