Yes, I want abortion to be "rare" (and why it doesn't matter what I want). [View all]

[last1standing]

Why?

Because as safe as abortions are, most forms of contraceptives are even safer.

Because as inexpensive as abortions are, most forms of contraceptives are even less expensive.

Because as non-time consuming as abortions are, most forms of contraceptives are even less time consuming.

That said, I also support abortion on demand for any woman who wants one without judgment or recrimination. Abortion is a matter for her and her doctor to discuss, and for her to decide, based on the facts (not anti-choice myths) of that woman's particular situation.

So does my desire, as a man, that abortions be a rare event have any practical purpose in this conversation other than expressing a sincere concern for the welfare of the woman? No.

I want women to use the safest, cost-effective, and convenient forms of birth control possible, but I want poor people to manage their money better and I want the ill to take better care of themselves. I want a whole slew of things, in the name of helping people, but I don't try to get laws passed that force them to take the actions I desire, nor do I generally believe it's my place to tell them how to handle their personal affairs.

As someone not directly affected by a woman's decision whether to have an abortion, I can sit here and pontificate on how better access to contraceptives is the way to go - and I'm likely right. But when I do, I should expect to read several posts telling me to mind my own body and stay the fuck out of theirs.

So for every man out there defending the "rare" in "safe, legal, and rare," understand that you're entitled to your beliefs, and you may not even be wrong. But it's not our place to lecture women on what they should and shouldn't do, just as it isn't their place to tell us whether to get a vasectomy or take Viagra.

When you have the issue, you get to make the decision. Anyone else telling you what you should do isn't really pro-choice.