Has anyone changed their position in this thread?
I have changed. I used to have a degree of respect for those who oppose abortion. While I am pro choice, I do not take abortion lightly. As a male of a certain age, I have had two occasions over the years to have been with a woman who had an abortion and it was difficult for them.
We can argue forever about when life begins but I understand that a fetus is at the very least the beginning of a human being. But I also recognize that there are circumstances when abortion is in necessary for those who- for whatever reason-conceive a child that they are not ready for- those who we know to be living beings.. Indeed, you might also consider that abortion may be in the best interest of the child, -who-depending on what you believe - may just become a soul waiting in the wings to be born at a better time and place. My position is and always has been that abortion should be rare ( and it has become much less prevalent) while safe and available until viability or if the womans life is at risk.
I have change in so far as my aforementioned respect for those who oppose abortion for a number of reasons:
Many are displaying a stubborn and unreasonable willingness to compromise in any way such as allowing abortion in cases of incest or medical necessity.
Throughout the debate, those opposed to abortion have shown a blatant hostility towards women and a callous disregard for their well being. I think that Alito, in his leaked opinion, said something about access to abortion- which has allowed women to plan families and pursue careers is not longer necessary because they have come so far. Yes they have, but is that a reason to revert to the barefoot and pregnant mentality?
Many go so far as to oppose birth control or support free and easy access to birth control, meaningful sex education, or anything that can prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Alito relied heavily on an appeal to tradition logical fallacy that I am sure many antiabortion people will agree with, by saying that there is no tradition of access to abortion. How long does it take to establish a tradition? If 50 years is not enough, what is?
Most who oppose abortion are also opposed to programs and policies that can contribute to the well being of families and children and encourage women to carry a child to term-knowing that there will be support systems in place. Those include health care, affordable day care and preschool, nutritional programs, affordable housing and much, much more. Instead, that take the position that it is "not my problem" and I should not have to pay for "free shit" for others.
Lastly for now, banning abortion is classist. It will not stop abortion. It will mean that women who have the means and the time will travel to a place where they can obtain a same abortion. Those who are not so lucky will have to seek out illegal abortions which are not regulated and which may well put them at risk. And as an aside, those unregulated abortions will likely include late term abortions which even pro choice people oppose
So yes, I have changed my opinion. I have become hardened and intrenched. And angry. These people are stupid, vicious and short sighted and need to be stopped. They disgust me to no end.