Time to Discuss Thougths on Abortion

To be clear, this is a touchy subject. It is steeped in religious, philosophical, medical impacts and opinions. However, I want to put some thoughts out there that I've had on my mind and have not seen put into the conversation. Maybe they have never been publicly written or maybe these are to taboo to discuss. Either way, I feel like they need to be discussed and be part of the conversation. I write this in hopes that it will give people on both sides of the debate something to think about. As a disclaimer, I'm not referring to instances of rape or incest. Everything I'm about to discuss is "oops, I'm pregnant" or "I'm not worried. If I get pregnant, I'll just get it taken care of" scenarios. 

ABORTION

I feel that I don't need to go into the depths of what it is, we all know. However, I feel it's important to point out that all the arguments for allowing women to have one is "the choice". It is not a man's place to tell a woman what to do with her body. I agree, 100%. Each person's body is their own.

When does a group of cells constitute a life? That is an interesting question. All life started from bacteria that evolved. Is a group of cells evolving into a full grown human a life? Why does the appearance of person in a different stage of growth change the fact that it is alive? Are we not continually changing as we age? What is the point in our growth we are, in fact, alive? 

"The choice" to have or not have the abortion. Some will say it is a woman's choice to proceed with an abortion, whether it be early or late, heartbeat or not. However,  I would like to add this to debate. 

Let's discuss "choices" that occur before even having to consider the abortion choice. 

1.) There is a choice to allow a man to enter her body. 

2.) There is a choice to ensure the man is using protection. 

3.) Even if the man does not, there are multiple contraceptives a woman can utilize to prevent becoming pregnant. Not including abstinence, I counted 13 on the Planned Parenthood website.

If a woman becomes pregnant, has there not already been ample opportunity to have a choice that prevents the creation of another life inside the female body? 

Once a child is conceived, I would like to put another thought out there. While the female body is the one to carry the child, there were two people to make it happen. Once the child is conceived, there are now 3 people involved if you include the child (or ball of cells depending on your stance).

Taking that into account, should the two consenting adults not be the ones who have to agree to make the "choice" to abort? The man made the choice to enter the woman if she chose to allow him. If the woman has the baby, then he is responsible for that child as a parent. Should that not still be the case if the woman wants to choose to not have the child? 

As I stated above, I know this will get some fired up. I'm ok with that. I did not read Chris Morris' editorial in the News and Tribune. I did see all the comments on Facebook and that is what really got me thinking about this. All I am trying to do is share thoughts that will make people think.

So many times we take a stance and not REALLY listen to someone else's point of view. I'm asking that after you read this, you read it again with an open mind. Try to put your personal feelings aside and consider a different point of view. Before you respond in the comments, truly try to remove any hate or malice you may have against those who don't agree with you. You may be answering from a point of principle never having had to make the choice. Maybe you have. Maybe you are the man who morns in silence the loss of a child you never had the chance to know. Maybe you are the woman who regrets having made the choice. Maybe you are the woman who celebrates it. 

Please leave your comments below. 

While this is a personal topic, please be respectful of those who have thoughts. 

Comments can be left anonymously if you choose.