Would guess this thread will blow up - but it's a great question and worthy of a talk. I have changed my views on the subject over time, and personally decided when the time came and I had to make the decision to have a child at a time when I was in no position to be a father or husband to have the child. This was not a religious decision for me, although it was for the person I got pregnant. Another aside to this is that she told me she was on the pill, and I actually saw them, but she got pregnant anyway. I never actually knew the real story there - would drive me crazy to delve deeper into that. This was 22 years ago, and it really made my life a mess at the time, financially. My daughter was - and is - a treasure to me, but I took a pretty responsible path to things - got married, worked two/three jobs, had to move in with her lunatic parents for a time, had the child with no insurance - got $40K in debt from medical bills alone (long story), and went into a pretty deep depression. Ended up divorced, in debt, bankrupt, and about as mentally dark as a person can get. All because I decided to allow her to make the decision, which I thought was the right thing to do. But I certainly can understand the other side of it - and it is something I don't feel should be legislated, nor determined by other people besides those involved.
I don't really feel this is a religious issue, but for those who feel it is, that's fine for them. Appropriate, even. I don't feel any religion and their views should legislate over the views and ideals of other people and religions - or those who don't practice religion. And when doctors and medical experts argue over basics when it comes to abortion and life, then I think it takes another turn against legislation. Especially during the very initial stages of whatever conception and life is.
Now the later term abortions, that another story for me. I think there are some instances when the life of the mother is at stake, rape, incest, etc., that abortion should be entirely acceptable. Life is precious, for all involved.
I think everyone has a right to think what they want in this situation. And to legislate it just seems to fly in the face of that. I do, however, understand those that feel differently than I do, and respect that. The thing I have a real problem with is when certain individuals use abortion as birth control, and do not take any personal responsibility in situations - especially the repeat offenders.
I guess ultimately, I don't find this to be a religious/legislative scenario, and think there has to remain a separation of church and state. If individuals want to believe and belong to a church or a religion, then that's fine, and they should live by those mantras. But I don't think their views should legislate mine, or others.
I personally believe this should be a choice for both the mother and father, but ultimately the mother, if they can't agree. Tough.
Dawg, to your question, I guess I would call you a sensible realist. As long as you would allow those who feel differently to act on their own. Seems like you, Wayne and I agree on this pretty much.
