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When considering the consequences of unplanned pregnancy and abortion, the little discussed victim is the male. Once the sperm leave his body, control of the final result belongs to the woman because they reside in her body. At least that's the way it appears in today's society. In considering this question, one must wonder if the woman's body and will trumps the will of the pre-born child and the father of said child. What rights does the father have when it comes to the termination of the life of his child?

*Where do a father's rights begin?

It's funny that once that child is born, society expects men to step up to the plate and take care of the child financially at the least. He can spend time in jail for not doing so. He's looked at as a "deadbeat dad" and seen as a monster who doesn't care enough about his child to support him or her.

But go back even one minute to before the birth of this child and the father has no say whatsoever in what happens to him or her. The pre-born child and the father must step back and wait as mom's wants and the use of her body take precedence over their rights.

*Posession is nine-tenths of the law?

Yes, it's her body, but it is not just her child. That child was created by two people, and two people should have a say in what happens from the moment of conception. The mother's say may outweigh the father's say in certain situations, but she should not have the right to totally ignore the wishes of the father as if he were nothing but a sperm donor.

*Women's rights vs men's rights?

Women's rights have come a long way in our society, and that's often as it should be. However, in some areas we have gone too far. "My body, my decision" may have value in many ways, but what about the ethical obligation to the partner and the child itself? Just because a woman can make decisions with no regard to anyone else's wishes, doesn't mean she should do so without great consideration of the others involved.

*When convictions enter the picture

If the father of the pre-born baby has strong feelings about abortion and wants to either raise the child himself or give him or her up for adoption, his position should find consideration with the mother of the child, even though she carries the child in her body.

On the other hand, if the mother feels strongly against abortion and the father urges her to have one any way, she has the right to say no. She should consider his feelings and wishes, regardless of what they are, and then she must make the decision that makes both happy if she can. In other words, she has an obligation to consider the male's wishes seriously before making her decision. He may not win in the end, but he will know he was heard. Hopefully both will choose life for their pre-born child.

In the end, the woman will probably retain the right to choose. Hopefully, she will consider the wishes of her partner before making that decision. In the majority of cases, both chose the act that created the child, both should have a say in the choices that follow.

Learn more about this author, Angela S. Young.
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