2 of 11

No

Write now Article Tools

Abortion. Should the father have a say in the matter?

First, I would like to know, what does have a say in the matter mean? Should he be able to give his opinion? Should he have veto power? Should he be able to demand that the woman have the baby?

My strong feeling is that it is the woman's body and the final decision as to whether have a baby or not must be hers.

Many people feel that abortion should be prohibited regardless of the circumstances. I certainly do not share that view. It seems to me that abortion is a rational and responsible action in many circumstances.

To tie the question to religion, it seems to me, is just silly. No God, whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish or any other ever put sperm in a woman's vagina. An embryo is not a baby.

No man who is not in a loving relationship with a pregnant woman should ever have the right to determine the course of her pregnancy. Only an idiot would say that a rapist or a man who perpetrates incest should be able to demand that a resulting pregnancy should be carried to term.

It is a different matter when a loving relationship exists. In most instances when this is true, it is likely that the pregnant woman will want to obtain the man's advice and opinion.

Assuming that both the woman and the man are reasonable, responsible and mature adults, the two of them should be able to reach an agreement as to the course of the pregnancy.

It is not difficult to visualize situations which would cause severe heartache for one or both of the two prospective parents. Think, for example, of a mature couple that has been attempting for years to produce a baby. When a pregnancy finally is accomplished, tests show that the baby will be born with horrible deformities and will endure pain and suffering for the short time it is likely to live. Should such a baby be born? Opinions may differ. If the woman feels that abortion is the correct path and the husband disagrees, who should prevail? Does the husband swear that he will be responsible for the baby at all times as long as it may live? If he does not, then he should not have a voice in the decision. In such an instance, it seems to me, that even if the man does swear to be completely responsible for the baby forever, the final decision should still be made by the woman. Again, it is her body. She is the mother. In our culture, the mother is generally thought to have final responsibility for her children.

The father certainly should have the right to express his opinions in those situations where a loving relationship exists. In all others, his opinion should not be taken seriously. In all cases, the woman should have the right to make the final decision as to the course of her pregnancy.

Learn more about this author, Lj Jaime Cordle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Abortion: Should the father have a say in the matter??
We want to hear your view. Write now!