I think people should, in general, choose not to have abortions

[ancianita]

316. I don't think that people who disagree with me are necessarily wrong. They simply haven't convinced

me to the extent that I've studied, thought and experienced the issue discussed. I suppose they can say the same, but then, I can tell that that usually comes out in effortful exchange. Which I was making. I really take you at your word, but your word contradicts. I thought I'd provoke some decision from you by pointing out your OP stance vs. your "reiteration" of your own belief. Forced agreement -- as in the religious, legal and social systems that ritualize conditioning women to believe on pain of ritualized stigma, punishment, violence or death -- also takes away free will. That's the basis of the war against women.

Do I need consistency from you or agreement from you? No. And if you can live with your contradictions, that's fine by me. At least you've aired them here. I hope honestly. Still, I believe that men will always take the side that best fits their power relations individually and with their larger male group. If I thought you were having these same discussions with other men, I'd feel some hope about the unequal power relations on the planet, abortion being only one manifestation. But I never hear or read of such things. I will only believe what I see them do.

Thanks for your thread. I've learned a lot here.