Should abortions require partner consent?

[Rex]

Quote:
a woman does not need the permission of her boyfriend, husband, or sex partner to have an abortion.

I personally think this is 10x more wrong than that of the parental consent on abortions.

 

[Ceridwen018]

I was just thinking about this, Rex!

Not only does the woman not need their permission to have an abortion, but lets turn this around...what about a boyfriend who doesn't want a baby and doesn't want to have to pay child support. Should he have the ability to force her to get an abortion? (it is a lot of money, after all...)

 

[Ardhanariswar]

men should have a little power. not as much as women do. after all, they grow the baby and they will suffer through childbirth. men just sit around. as adults they should work it out between themselves maturely what they want to do, what is best.

 

[Rex]

men should have a little power. not as much as women do. after all, they grow the baby and they will suffer through childbirth. men just sit around. as adults they should work it out between themselves maturely what they want to do, what is best.

Whoa Whoa Whoa, I take offense to that. Regardless that the woman has to carry the baby, this was determined by either nature or God which we had no consent over. Being penalized for that would just be plain wrong.

Last time I checked it takes 2 to tango (unless artificial incimination(sp?)) .

I guarantee you if for some reason I got some random woman pregnant and she thought she could get an abortion without my consent I would spend every last minute/dime I have on this planet to make sure she didn't and if she got away with doing it behind my back she should would not see one second of unbothered life financially and emotionally.

I mean saying what you said means if the man wants the woman to get an abortion and she does't he should have no obligation of any support to the baby right?

 

[Pah]

The legal theory is that since the state has no power to veto an abortion, it can not, by passing consent laws, delegate that power to anyone else. Roe v Wade establishes thet the woman, in conference with her doctor, is the sole arbitor of the question.

From the holding of Planned Parenthood v Danbury

In Roe and Doe we specifically reserved decision on the question whether a requirement for consent by the father of the fetus, by the spouse, or by the parents, or a parent, of an unmarried minor, may be constitutionally imposed. 410 U.S., at 165 n. 67. We now hold that the State may not constitutionally require the consent of the spouse, as is specified under 3 (3) of the Missouri Act, as a condition for abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. We thus agree with the dissenting judge in the present case, and with the courts whose decisions are cited above, that the State cannot "delegate to a spouse a veto power which the state itself is absolutely and totally prohibited from exercising during the first trimester of pregnancy." 392 F. Supp., at 1375. Clearly, since the State cannot regulate or proscribe abortion during the first stage, when the physician and his patient make that decision, the State cannot delegate authority to any particular person, even the spouse, to prevent abortion during that same period.

We are not unaware of the deep and proper concern and interest that a devoted and protective husband has in his wife's pregnancy and in the growth and development of the fetus she is carrying. Neither has this Court failed to appreciate the importance of the marital relationship in our society. See, e. g., Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 486 (1965); Maynard v. Hill, 125 U.S. 190 , [428 U.S. 52, 70] 211 (1888). 10 Moreover, we recognize that the decision whether to undergo or to forgo an abortion may have profound effects on the future of any marriage, effects that are both physical and mental, and possibly deleterious. Notwithstanding these factors, we cannot hold that the State has the constitutional authority to give the spouse unilaterally the ability to prohibit the wife from terminating her pregnancy, when the State itself lacks that right. See Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438, 453 (1972). 11 [428 U.S. 52, 71]

and

We recognize, of course, that when a woman, with the approval of her physician but without the approval of her husband, decides to terminate her pregnancy, it could be said that she is acting unilaterally. The obvious fact is that when the wife and the husband disagree on this decision, the view of only one of the two marriage partners can prevail. Inasmuch as it is the woman who physically bears the child and who is the more directly and immediately affected by the pregnancy, as between the two, the balance weighs in her favor. Cf. Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S., at 153 .

The obligations and options of a sexual mate only begin when the fetus is born. This would include the granting of consent for the child's (at this point) adoption and an obligation to support the raising of the child.

-pah-

 

[Ceridwen018]

I mean saying what you said means if the man wants the woman to get an abortion and she does't he should have no obligation of any support to the baby right?

Well, I'm just throwing ideas around here. I think the guy should be obligated to pay child support--like you said, it takes two to tango and he is just as responsible--but I think it's interesting how the woman has all the choice and the man none.

 

[painted wolf]

if the father wants to not pay child support then he should also give up all rights to see that child. Perhaps a restraining order to keep him from interfearing in the childs life?

I've known many men who didn't want to pay child support but wanted to use that child to hurt the other parent.

being in a situation where you pay child support means that you also have the right to be a part of that childs life if you so choose. Many people who arn't ready to be parents at the time eventually have some urge to meet thier children and be a part (however small) of their lives.

But as to whether or not the father should have a say in the abortion process... I think so, if the man truely wants to take the responcibility for that childs life.

wa:do

 

[Bishka]

I think their should be partner consent. What if one wants the baby? Then let that person take care of it.

 

[Smoke]

I don't believe a man should have the right either to compel a woman to have an abortion or to compel her to carry the child to term. But if the father isn't informed of the pregnancy, or registers his objection to it, he should not have to pay child support.

 

[Buttercup]

This point is a slightly different topic but drives me insane.....

Does it make sense that a parent has no right to know about their 16 year old daughter's potentially life threatening abortion....yet, that same child cannot be given an aspirin at school without a parent's permission? That is one of the most ludicrous laws ever.

 

[mrscardero]

When I found out that I was pregnant, I was happy and confused. I didn't know whether to tell cardero or not. I was planning on not telling him at all and just cut all ties and take care of the child my self. But then again I thought that he has every right to know that he has a child coming. When I told cardero, he asked me what my intentions are. We didn't have a home to raise the child in, we weren't married, we were not financially stable, and I was not in the best of health where carrying a child led to being bed ridden and not able to bring home money. Abortion came in to conversation, but I was lucky to get a chance to bare a child. My ex-husband and I tried for 5 years and no luck. Then I met cardero and a year and a half later, I was carrying his child. cardero mentioned giving up the baby, but I put in my two cents. I chose to keep the baby and if he didn't want any responsibility, I would have been fine with the help of family to raise the child. Yes, the male should have a say since he is the maker and I am the carrier, but I did what I felt was right. Ones we sat down to talk, things changed. cardero supported my decision.

Both should have a say on what should be done. But if the male doesn't want anything to do with the child and the mother does, the mother should have all rights. The mother will have to give up the right to get child support. The father will give up all the rights to the child of being a father.

If cardero chose not to be a father during the time, I would not have forced him to pay for child support or be a father since I chose to keep the child. Maybe I am wrong in the things that I am saying. My feelings are, what you chose, will change your life. What your child will grow up to be whether the child has a mother or a father, will be their chose. It's all about choises. Choosing the right and the wrong. But is there a right and wrong when a child is brought into this world whether the choise was made by the mother or the father?

There are people out there that choose to abort and regret it for the rest of their lives or until they are blessed with another child. The carrier will feel regret and question themselves. The maker may or may not because they do not know what it is like to carry a child. The feeling when a child moves inside the stomach. The anticipation. The moment and the day the child is born. The pain but pleasure of giving birth.

To solve the problem of whether to keep the child or not, wear protection or don't have sex at all. That way you don't have to worry about making any decisions.

 

[Smoke]

This point is a slightly different topic but drives me insane.....

Does it make sense that a parent has no right to know about their 16 year old daughter's potentially life threatening abortion....yet, that same child cannot be given an aspirin at school without a parent's permission? That is one of the most ludicrous laws ever.

On the face of it, it is. But the girl may face repercussions at home over a pregnancy and abortion that she wouldn't face over an aspirin.

I don't have any kids, but I think if I had a sixteen year old daughter who got pregnant, I could deal with it. I would have a great deal more trouble dealing with her decision to have an abortion. I can imagine my imaginary daughter not wanting to have to deal with my pleas and arguments, and trying to keep the whole thing secret, but I'd still be furious with whoever performed the abortion without my knowledge or consent. On the other hand, some girls might face violence at home. One hopes that there are responsible adults making sure this kind of secrecy is really necessary or advisable in each case.

 

[Buttercup]

I do have a daughter and I'm positive she would feel completely free to come to me about her troubles. In no way would I be angry with her. But, I do understand the viewpoint of other parents may not be the same. However, in my mind the potential for trouble at home does not justify the law. If my daughter died as a result of a secret abortion...well, I don't think I would know what to do with myself I would be so angry.

If I had the opportunity to vote legislatively on this matter, I most certainly would cast my vote to change the law.

 

[Ceridwen018]

What it comes down to, Buttercup, is that our government doesn't think it's right for parents to force their underage daughters to bear a child they don't want. Imagine if you were a pregnant teenager, and your parents wouldn't allow you to get an abortion, even though you wanted one--personally, I think such a situation would be terrifying.

Teenagers are not emotionally or physically mature enough to safely bear children, and the law recognizes that. For a parent to force their daughter to have a baby that she doesn't want could potentially be extremely damaging for the girl. Parents don't always know best.

A good compromise would be to obligate the abortion clinic to contact any underaged girl's parents and inform them of what's going on. The parents won't have any say in the proceedings, but I don't think its so outlandish for them to be allowed to know what's going on.

 

[Buttercup]

A good compromise would be to obligate the abortion clinic to contact any underaged girl's parents and inform them of what's going on. The parents won't have any say in the proceedings, but I don't think its so outlandish for them to be allowed to know what's going on.

This is the law in some states but not all. Currently 34 states require at least one parent being notified. The state I live in does not require parental notification....And the major reason for non parental notification seems to stem from the potential for violence at home as mentioned above by MIdnightBlue and me. From Planned Parenthood:

Most Teens Have a Parent Involved in Their Decision to Have an Abortion, Even When Not Required To Do So By Law. Many Have Compelling Reasons to Seek Confidential Services

A minority of teenagers do not have a parent involved. Overwhelmingly, they make this decision for compelling reasons. A 1991 study of unmarried minors having abortions in states without parental involvement laws found that

• Sixty-one percent of the respondents reported that at least one of their parents knew about their abortion.
• Of those minors who did not inform their parents of their abortions, 30 percent had histories of violence in their families, feared the occurrence of violence, or were afraid of being forced to leave their homes.
• Minors who did not tell their parents were also disproportionately older (aged 16 or 17) and employed.
• Among the respondents who did not inform their parents of their pregnancies, all consulted someone in addition to clinic staff about their abortions, such as their boyfriend (89 percent), an adult (52 percent), or a professional (22 percent). (Henshaw & Kost, 1992)

 

[Darkdale]

I was just thinking about this, Rex!

Not only does the woman not need their permission to have an abortion, but lets turn this around...what about a boyfriend who doesn't want a baby and doesn't want to have to pay child support. Should he have the ability to force her to get an abortion? (it is a lot of money, after all...)

We live in a sometimes sick and ugly culture.

I don't think women should have to get a man's permission to have an abortion. Should she? If she has a soul or any kind of decency in her, then yes... but not by government mandate. It is sad that women have gotten to the point that they've gotten too, and I am disgusted by it and by them... but not so disgusted that I am ready to allow the government (which is just as sick and ugly) to stick its' neck into it. If anything, I would encourage men to choose better quality women, and not just go for the first piece of trash that bats her eyelashes.

 

[Flappycat]

after all, they grow the baby and they will suffer through childbirth. men just sit around.

This is just a pet peeve for me. I do not approve in the least of men who don't play an active role in preserving the health of their mates and the developing fetus during pregnancy. I may have some sympathy for those who have done their best as mates, but those who fail to do their part haven't even earned an opinion as far as I'm concerned. Call me old-fashioned, but men should take at least as much responsibility for a developing fetus as their women. This also applies to lesbians whose mates have become pregnant by some avenue.

 

[linwood]

I personally think this is 10x more wrong than that of the parental consent on abortions.

Here`s how I see it.

The woman should have the power to get an abortion if she wishes, it`s her body.

If the woman wants the child but the man does not then he is not responsible for the child nor does he get any of the benefits a father would.

A good compromise would be to obligate the abortion clinic to contact any underaged girl's parents and inform them of what's going on. The parents won't have any say in the proceedings, but I don't think its so outlandish for them to be allowed to know what's going on.

This is constitutional law in my state.
I voted for it.

Edit:

I`d like to add that a teen girl can apply to the court to have the stipulation of parental notification waived if she has good reason to do so.
These applications are filed by her abortion provider and expidited by a judge.

I looked it up awhile ago and no application had been denied in my state since inception(2003) and the application takes an average of 4 days to be process by the judge.

 

[Buttons*]

All I know is that I have ultimate say on my body and what happens to it.

 

[BUDDY]

I don't think that a woman should have to ask a man for permission to do anything. However, I do believe that they should have to inform the father of the child that they are pregnant and the choice that they are making. I think that is only fair for the other person who is responsible for the pregnancy, to know what is going to happen to that pregnancy.