Why Feminists Want Men to Stand Up for Abortion Rights Despite Their Right to Silence
For a long time, when men were being encouraged to keep their opinions off the question of abortion, it was often with a few judges as the main culprits. Therefore, feminists did not need men to take an active role in these discussions. Fast forward to today, it's now about state-by-state voting. Feminists need votes, and despite the rhetoric of it not being a man's issue, men still get to vote on it.
Feminists are now asking men to support abortion rights, arguing that abortion benefits everyone, especially men, as it allows them to avoid financial obligations they may not have intended or wanted. If a man engages in unprotected sex and does not want a child, abortion gives him an option to not bear the responsibility of 18 years of financial obligation to a child he did not intend.
Men's Tax Contributions and Ethical Responsibility
Do Men Pay Taxes and Suffer Increased Costs?
Men do pay taxes, and they often pay for more than just personal costs. Many men contribute to increased taxes for the care of abandoned children in the foster care system, which often results from women making unintended or unintentional choices about their pregnancies. Additionally, men pay for increased food and shelter taxes due to a rise in poor parents and children on welfare rolls. This can happen because women who are pregnant or nursing can be less productive as employees and customers, placing a strain on welfare.
Shared Responsibility: Men's Skin in the Game
Laws and Policies Affecting Everyone
The argument extends beyond just financial obligations. Men have something they call "skin in the game," meaning their decisions and actions can affect not just themselves but the entire community. They worry that if women are denied the right to control their bodies, the government might start dictating who can have children or how long they can keep an unwanted child. Laws about abortion, and the care of children with conditions, can impact everyone's rights.
The right to medical care for children with Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, or those in intensive care due to accidents or illnesses like COVID, can be a point of friction. These issues can lead to broader discussions about the government's role in healthcare and the choices families make. Moreover, the rhetoric of a "sex strike" or other attempts to invade men's privacy in voting booths can mask the underlying issues.
Considering Long-term Consequences and Personal Responsibility
Personal Choices Impact Society
Men should consider the long-term consequences of their actions. If a man engages in unprotected sex, he should be prepared for the possibility of an unintended pregnancy and the future responsibilities that come with it. Abortion is not just about a woman's choice; it can be a decision that impacts a man's life as well.
Feminists want men to stand up for abortion rights because these rights also protect men from the unintended consequences of their actions. The desire to support women's rights to choose should not exclude men from the conversation. Everyone's choices and actions have societal implications, and understanding the full picture can lead to more informed and equitable discussions.
Conclusion
Men have a stake in abortion rights because their choices and actions are interconnected with societal issues. By supporting women's right to make informed decisions about their bodies, men are also protecting their own rights and the future of their communities. This is about more than just a vote; it's about understanding the broader implications of personal choices on society as a whole.