Men are a Big Force in the Abortion Decision

It's encouraging to read, even if only once in a while, an article by a prolife writer that realistically presents the reason women have abortions. This one writes about men.

The author reviews responses of men to questions about pregnancies they admit they caused. Their answers about the obligations they feel are all over the park. Largely, they try to calculate the effect of a child on their own futures, just as women do. Except, men have more ability to walk away from responsibility even if they originally pledged money and time. 

The various degrees of responsibility these men felt toward being the father of a child are a window into the circumstances women face. Perhaps a man vacillates between enthusiasm and reluctance. If the couple is not married or even living together, the man, like the woman, wonders how a child will fit into future relationships.

The link says it is sponsored by a group which works with young men to persuade them fathering a child is an opportunity and the men should be enthusiastic. The goal, of course, is to guide men away from seeing abortion as the best choice. 

The link is correct in identifying the man as a big force in the abortion decision. But persuading young men that stopping their education to earn money to support a child is a great opportunity seems very unrealistic. The best decision will usually be abortion. 

All anti-abortion groups should recognize this fact: The result of all their efforts has been an increase in abortions. They will have no impact of abortion. Better they focus on helping children with money, housing and all the other things children need. 

Children grow up. Anti-abortion needs to grow up as well.