Putting Abortion In Its Place: A reflection of man

Let's discuss the possible fallout to outlawing abortion and whether we're focusing on the wrong issue.

If we take the "Freakonomics" approach, a dramatic decrease in crime happened 20 years after Roe v Wade; indicating that most people who get abortions are low income, under-educated girls. Continuing on this assertion, if abortion is outlawed, we can deduce that government spending will spike as a result of increased social welfare programs, emergency medical situations (botched abortions), and increased crime, etc. However, many supporters of criminalizing abortion are also the supporters of cutting social welfare programs. I would like to hear more substance regarding solutions to the consequences of criminalizing abortion. As of this moment, many discussions ignore these aspects and turn into an argument of emotions rather than constructive dialogue to address a problem.

Another aspect that I don't hear very often is the responsibilities of the other half of the equation. Women don't get pregnant by themselves. An obvious flaw in our society is the construct of man. Herein lies the source of many of our societal problems, yet we seem to be afraid to discuss it. The way in which our society raises our males is so focused but curiously ignored. We needn't look far to see the statistics upon statistics that clearly prove there is a problem at hand. Male aggression, dominance, narcissism, and entitlement are the roots that represent the bulk of our societal problems. The hindrance of this discussion is that the opposition quickly turns it into accusations of male-bashing; again because males become emotional and aggressive when they deem they are being threatened. Just as with an addict's intervention, you need to face what you have been avoiding.

Communities, religious institutions, politics, and the arts are not focusing enough on the responsibilities of men and their behavior. Instead, most aspects of our society seem to keep their domineering mentality to disproportionately blame females. For men, I suspect this is a natural psychological reaction to avoid having to reflect upon the actions and consequences of themselves. For women, I suspect it is a fear of further vilification. Regardless, I proclaim that once men become better members of society, abortions will naturally decrease. To deny abortions will only serve to continue this negative cycle.

Finally, I respect the view that life begins at conception and in a perfect world, there would never be a need for a single abortion. However, abortion needs to be addressed comprehensively and in a manner that takes into account all views of conception. To treat the act singularly will exacerbate the over-arching socio-economic & gender suppression problems we have in our society. But in the end, I posit that abortion is not the problem but a consequence of a problem.