Why Abortion Should Be a Federal Mandate
I have read/listened to a number of arguments about why people think that Roe V. Wade should be overturned and on the whole I have been unimpressed with the arguments that they have put forth.
These cyberspace “Larry H. Parkers” (remember those horrible commercials) have tried to present themselves as having very well thought out arguments that are nuanced and slick, but really have just been sick.
One of the more colorful arguments said that if men were more careful where and when they stick it abortion would be unnecessary. Another threatened us all with the wrath of G-d. Cute stuff, but none of that works for me.
Here is my very simple argument about why I think that it should receive federal attention and not be a case of state’s rights.
If it goes that direction it is quite likely that there will be states that ban it. And that could negatively impact the ability of the poor to get an abortion. Now some of the diehards who want to see it abolished would be thrilled with that, but I think that this is a real problem that should be addressed.
Funding should not prevent access to those who require it.
Just to be clear I am not an advocate of using abortion as birth control and I am very concerned about late term abortions.
During my single days there were two separate occasions in which I was involved in a scare and was prepared to take those involved for an abortion.
At this point of my life it is not an option that I want to exercise because I am prepared to take care of the child that will develop.
But it doesn’t mean that I want to outlaw or ban it either.
There is much more to be said and done in a smarter way, but I don’t have the time for that right now.
michelle July 23, 2005 at 11:38 pm
As a mother of a teenage daughter I believe in abstinence…and as a woman who had an abortion in my late teens, which at the time was the right thing to do, I would never do it again because it caused me much pain and emotional scarring, still believe in a woman’s right to choose as it is her body and nobody else’s.
Z July 22, 2005 at 5:45 pm
My husband works with teen fathers. He is NOT allowed, due to current funding restrictions courtesy of the federal gov’ment, to tell them about birth control period. It must be abstinence all the way. Even though the toothpaste is out of the tube. I think it’s positively neanderthal really. And naturally these kids have second and even third babies while IN THE PROGRAM. Pretending teen sex doesn’t happen doesn’t make it stop.
I agree with you Jack. Abortion is not something I would choose now in my life. But you can bet your bippee if I had become pregnant at 16 given my family and my situation, my butt would have been in Hagerstown MD pronto. Without a doubt!
Jack's Shack July 22, 2005 at 6:02 am
David,
You may be on to something.
Brenda,
I agree, education is critical.
Lyss,
Absolutely.
Inland Empress,
Every time I see your name I hear those Guitar Center ads. 😉 Those vending machines are a smart idea.
Anne July 21, 2005 at 11:18 pm
We should replace junk food and soda vending machines in high schools with ones that dispense condoms, spermicide and other non-prescription forms of birth control.
Just an idea.
Lyss July 21, 2005 at 11:03 pm
Brenda is totally right about giving the younger generation the proper sex ed. If we had that then perhaps abortion would not be as neccesary as it is for some people. I also agree that it should not be used as birth control.
Teens will have sex. Its been like that for a long time, doubt it will change. We should do all in our power to make sure that they are safe.
Brenda July 21, 2005 at 10:52 pm
You are right about the fragmentation that would occur under State abortion regulation. This point is made far too rarely. Differing State laws would inevitably lead right back to the Supreme Court, this time on Equal Protection grounds.
Here’s my partial solution: give preteens as much information about the birth process and its consequences, long before it ever occurs to that it applies to them or that it is lots of fun. It is simply cruel to send kids into puberty with little information and a “loaded weapon” in their pants. And take it from me – they WILL discover their privates sooner or later. And someone must teach it, and the schools are what we use to to do that. And if parents, won’t go along, we have a name for them, too. Granddad and Granny.
David Kelsey July 21, 2005 at 10:36 pm
I would give away free seasons of Oprah in DVD forms as well as Free Happy Meals at KFC with every abortion.
Jack's Shack July 21, 2005 at 9:58 pm
Here is a short essay about it. There is more detailed information that is available, if you are interested.
http://www.aish.com/societyWork/sciencenature/Abortion_in_Jewish_Law.asp
cruisin-mom July 21, 2005 at 9:54 pm
Jack,
I’m Jewish, too, only very reformed…but I really thought that the orthodox religious view was anti-abortion. Interesting to hear the different opinions. Thanks for your response.
Randi
Jack's Shack July 21, 2005 at 9:50 pm
Randi,
I don’t know that I would refer to myself as a religious Jew. I am not really in a place that you can categorize easily, it is part of the journey.
Judaism is not anti-abortion provided that the situation meets a few requirements.
cruisin-mom July 21, 2005 at 9:44 pm
Jack, I’m impressed by your candidness about this hot issue, especially considering (if I have read correctly) you are a very religious Jew. I really didn’t think those beliefs coincided with being religious. I’m surprised but glad to hear your views.