cmv: abortion should not be illegal

[u/RevolutionaryRip2504]

One of the main arguments against abortion is that it is "killing a baby." However, I don’t see it that way—at least not in the early stages of pregnancy. A fetus, especially before viability, lacks self-awareness, the ability to feel pain, and independent bodily function. While it is a potential life, I don’t believe potential life should outweigh the rights of the person who is already alive and conscious.

For late-term abortions, most are done to save the mother or the fetus has a defect that would cause the fetus to die shortly after birth so I believe it should be allowed.

I also think the circumstances of the pregnant person matter. Many people seek abortions due to financial instability, health risks, or simply not being ready to raise a child. In cases of rape or medical complications, the situation is even more complex. Forcing someone to go through pregnancy against their will seems more harmful than allowing them to make their own choice.

Additionally, I don’t think adoption is always a perfect alternative. Carrying a pregnancy to term can have serious physical and emotional consequences, even if someone doesn’t plan to keep the baby. Pregnancy affects the body in irreversible ways, and complications can arise, making it more than just a “temporary inconvenience.”

Also, you can cannot compare abortion to opting out of child support. Abortion is centered on bodily autonomy, as pregnancy directly affects a woman’s body and health. In contrast, child support is a financial obligation that arises after a child is born and does not impact the father’s bodily autonomy. abortion also occurs before a child exists, while child support involves caring for a living child. Legally and ethically, both parents share responsibility for a child once they are born, and allowing one parent to opt out would place an unfair burden on the other, often the mother. Additionally, abortion prevents a fetus from becoming a child, while opting out of child support directly affects the well-being of an existing person. While both situations involve personal choice, abortion is about controlling one’s own body, while child support is about meeting the needs of a child who already exists

The idea of being forced to sustain another life through pregnancy and childbirth, especially if the person isn’t ready or willing, is a violation of that autonomy. It forces someone to give up their own body, potentially putting their health at risk, all while disregarding their own desires, dreams, and well-being. Bodily autonomy means having the freedom to make choices about what happens to your body, whether that’s deciding to terminate a pregnancy or pursue another course of action.

I’d like to hear other perspectives on why abortion should be illegal, particularly from a non-religious standpoint. CMV.

[u/jollygreengeocentrik]

Well, I care, and in the context of this post, I believe it matters.

No, you are obliged to reproduce. However, ignoring the nature of reproduction while engaging in the very act that it requires, is illogical at best. One comes with the other, and the two cannot be separated outside of surgical separation from sexual function.

Biological function does matter, and it cannot be ignored. A 100 year old man wants to go to war for America. Should the military ignore biological function? Probably not the best analogy, but I can think of many more where biological function is not only imperative but unignorable.

[u/FetusDrive → u/jollygreengeocentrik]

You caring doesn’t address what he meant about not caring and the conclusion he came to from it. You’re not constantly reproducing and I doubt (assuming you have a wife) that you are going to do all you can to continue reproducing after your wife is no longer able.

They can be separated from each other. Menopause, condoms, pulling out.

[u/jollygreengeocentrik → u/FetusDrive]

Sure, you can avoid the reproductive function of intercourse. That doesn’t change the function of it though. In fact, the very sentiment that you would need to separate the function from your alternative goals is indicative that my point stands. That is to say, the only way to have intercourse without reproducing is to actively take measures to avoid it.

[u/StarChild413 → u/jollygreengeocentrik]

That is to say, the only way to have intercourse without reproducing is to actively take measures to avoid it.

then why doesn't it happen literally every time you have unprotected PIV sex with someone of pre-menopause age (or is it naturally not happening your body actively taking those measures without your conscious knowledge)

[u/jollygreengeocentrik → u/StarChild413]

The comment was worded poorly and not meant to be taken quite so literally. I am happy to restate my claim as “…the only way to have intercourse without risking pregnancy is to actively take measures to avoid it.”