The Latest News Archive 2013
Men and Abortion: The Good, Bad and Ugly
When abortion is mentioned, society has been conditioned to see it as a women’s issue. That mentality is not only wrong, it’s polarizing. It leaves women isolated and alone in a time of crisis, and men are alienated—either by denying their responsibility or dismissing their influence. We can’t ignore the fact that men play a significant role in affecting a woman’s decision regarding abortion.
Historically, there’s a bias that connects feminism to abortion rights. That is actually a false premise. Early feminists in the 19th century were opposed to abortion, calling it “the ultimate exploitation of women” and the “killing of unborn women.” Women’s rights activist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, is quoted as saying, “When we consider that women are treated as property, it is degrading to women that we should treat our children as property to be disposed of as we see fit.”
When did feminism become synonymous with abortion? It was in the 1960s when two pro-abortion men, Bernard Nathanson and Lawrence Lader, cofounded the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws. To advance their pro-abortion agenda, they knew they needed the women’s voice. Lader stated, “If we’re going to move abortion out of the books and into the streets, we’re going to have to recruit the feminists.” They approached The National Organization for Women and “got them to see legal abortion as a civil rights issue, a basic women’s rights issue.”
Lader went on to falsely criticize and vilify pro-lifers, “Basically, the opposition really hates women, which I think comes out of a woman’s sexuality. They fear women’s independence—women no longer chained to the home and waiting for the man with a rose between her teeth.” Other men later joined the push for abortion rights, motivated by the notion of a sexual revolution without the consequence of parenthood. For example, Hugh Hefner, mogul of Playboy, called it “freedom to both sexes not only in the bedroom, but everywhere else.” In recent months, that sentiment has been echoed by a new generation of young men, called “bro-choicers.” They openly voice their support for abortion, while simultaneously advocating casual sex. It’s shameful that some men have left such a disgraceful and ugly mark on the pages of history.
How does a man’s influence translate from policy to personal? When facing an unexpected pregnancy, women do consider their relationship with the father. A study conducted by the Guttmacher Institute, formerly the research arm of Planned Parenthood, found that nearly half of women who have an abortion cite being a single mother or having relationship problems as reasons why they had an abortion. I’ve heard many of these tragic stories. In the worst of situations, a man can be heartless and demand an abortion for his own selfish reasons. He may even threaten abandonment. Others buy into the lie that “it’s a woman’s body and a woman’s choice.” They stand idly by and accept whatever decision the woman makes.
No matter what the circumstances, we must recognize these men are victims of abortion too. Following an abortion experience, men often feel guilt or regret that manifests itself as anger or aggression. Withdrawal occurs in the relationship and in the majority of cases, the damage is irreparable. These men often suffer in silence, many in denial about how abortion has affected them. The consequences have scarred countless lives and impacted an untold number of families.
There’s a positive side to counter this tragedy. Fathers can have a life-saving impact in their children’s lives. In cases where the man provides the mother with both emotional and financial support, the likelihood of abortion is substantially reduced. Even as a family member or friend, men can be a life-affirming influence in the life of a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy. In addition, men who’ve lost a child to abortion can make a difference by sharing their experiences and imploring others to not go down the same path. Men, don’t submit to the lies of the culture of death. Let’s encourage one another to be courageous protectors of LIFE.
In support of men, women and babies,
Bradley Mattes
CEO
Life Issues Institute
11/1/13
Life Issues Institute is dedicated to changing hearts and minds of millions of people through education. Organizations and individuals around the world depend upon Life Issues Institute to provide the latest information and effective tools to protect innocent human life from womb to tomb.
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