Current issue

[ironphoenix]

I've been reluctant to post on this subject for a while, because my position isn't a popular one, I fear. Recent events, however, have made it harder to stay silent, so here goes. If you don't stop reading here, I ask that you go all the way to the end.

I believe abortion is wrong. I believe it is a killing of a helpless human being, with all that entails. In cases where if the child doesn't die then the mother will, I can support it, but not otherwise.

That said, I believe a lot of other things, too.

I believe that safe, effective contraception and thorough, realistic sexual education should be universally available. I believe that sexuality, and current reality being what it is, women's sexuality in particular, should not be stigmatized. I believe that child care should be available and affordable. I believe that staying at home to look after children should not be a "CLM." I believe that victims of rape should be supported and treated with dignity and respect, not further victimized. I believe that in law and in practice, women should have free access to safe abortions. I believe that women who choose to have abortions should not be stigmatized either, and should have access to support and counselling services. I believe that we as a society need these things. I believe that the consequences of not having these things are contributing or would contribute to a lot of suffering and oppression. I hope that we, as societies, can overcome the systemic and structural factors which lead women to consider having their children aborted. I believe that the best ways to do this are by providing the support I described, not by imposing restrictions on vulnerable women at the time of their need.

That beling my fundamental position, let me now write a few things about the recent murder of Dr. Tiller, a doctor who specialized in late-term abortions, apparently motivated by his practice.

I believe that killing this person was wrong and unjustified. I believe it was an intrinsically wrong act of itself, and more. I understand the position that could be taken, that killing someone who would themselves kill many others is the lesser of two evils, and I reject it. I believe that it's a false saving, and one which merely contributes to the violence and oppression that encourage women to seek out abortions. I believe that "preemptive" acts or punitive vigilanteism undermine the social relationships of trust and mutuality that build lasting solutions to systemic problems. Let me say this again clearly and unequivocally: I repudiate this killing.

In closing, I ask that you not quote me out of context. I've written short sentences here, but they're part of a whole. It would be easy to misrepresent me by taking bits of this and leaving the rest behind; please don't.

Comments

[kali-kali.livejournal.com]

I mostly agree with you, however, I don't know if society will ever get to such a state where abortion is eliminated by way of comprehensive education/contraception/childcare/etc. The entitlement society we live in is the main reason why I don't think it will be, because more and more people think "I can do anything I like and I don't need to be responsible for the consequences of my actions" - and thus there is less of the "prevention" side going on (education, use of contraceptives, etc.). This is also why STD rates are still rising, even though basic contraceptives are easily available. (This theory is not restricted to sexual behaviour, it also applies to obesity rates, among others)

The most important aspect of sex education I believe should be self-esteem. To teach people that they don't need to have sex to fit in, or to keep a partner, or because it is expected on X date, or whatever else. Kids are also starting into sexual adventures way too young these days (and not just "these days" I guess, I thought the same thing when I was in high school and my peers were having sex and I was like "WTF? Already?").

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

*nod* Consequences don't care who's responsible for them, do they? They just are. Prudent people consider the consequences of what they do, and act accordingly. Sadly, none of us are always prudent, and even when we are, sometimes things beyond our control or low-probability events lead to bad consequences anyway.

I agree that self-esteem is critical; I have no idea how to teach it if the parents and social circle are undermining it, though!

[jagash.livejournal.com]

The pickle is that artificially elevated self-esteem leads to an entitlement society. "I am awesome and have never failed/done wrong so there are no consequences".

Good points, I just think the solution is a bit more difficult then what you propose.

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

*nod* Self-esteem needs to be grounded in reality; it's about one's worth (which is unconditional), not the perfection of one's judgment, morals, or accomplishments. Believing oneself infallible leads to just what you mention.

[theweaselking.livejournal.com]

The actual evidence shows that the lack of education and limited use of contraceptives has little-to-nothing to do with entitlement and arrogance.