This was a fascinating conversation. I think as usual when the topic of abortion comes up, too much fault is put on the woman. I think most of the potential fathers are just as happy to not have long term consequences to their sexual behavior and not have to take responsibility. I wish more of the conversation was about how to encourage men to look for a wife, not just a hook up, and be a stable reliable partner and/or father, instead of trying to take away choices from women.
Another thing I wish was discussed more is the extent to which single motherhood increases the risk of living in poverty substantially. If the father isn’t supportive, or sufficiently supportive, and we don’t want to create dependency on the government, then there needs to be some way to help single mothers get out of poverty so mother and child can thrive.
Meaning that if women have all the rights with regards to pregnancy and children, they should have all of the corresponding responsibilities.
Virtually any mother should be able to find support enough to provide her children a decent life, though a conventional marriage or other means, or should be independently wealthy enough to take care of a child. That's responsibility. Failing in that responsibility is abuse or neglect.
I don't agree with any obligation whatsoever placed on the father (which puts me at odds with our podcast guest here). Thinking about someone who donates to a sperm bank, I don't see why a father who does it the old fashioned way is really any different. But I also don't agree that there is any role for the government in making up for absent fathers. I'm all for stable families, but that's not achieved through mandated child support payments and punitive divorce law, it's through people forming actual relationships.
I guess, with this position, you must be very supportive of any woman who finds herself pregnant and unprepared to provide for the child having an abortion then…?
I'm probably around the median opinion of having some reluctant acceptance of early-term abortions. I wouldn't say I'm "very supportive".
And at the risk of stating the obvious, the passive language phrase "finds herself pregnant" is quite misleading in serving to suggest that the hypothetical woman is not responsible for this state of affairs.
I did not mean to be critical! Just saying, if all you can do is $50/month it is better than zero. No, not enough for a thriving childhood. As a mother of 2 (married w/resources) I can say every little bit helps. According to 2015 USDA report, cost to raise a child to age 17 is $233,610 ($1,145/month)
This was a fascinating conversation. I think as usual when the topic of abortion comes up, too much fault is put on the woman. I think most of the potential fathers are just as happy to not have long term consequences to their sexual behavior and not have to take responsibility. I wish more of the conversation was about how to encourage men to look for a wife, not just a hook up, and be a stable reliable partner and/or father, instead of trying to take away choices from women.
Another thing I wish was discussed more is the extent to which single motherhood increases the risk of living in poverty substantially. If the father isn’t supportive, or sufficiently supportive, and we don’t want to create dependency on the government, then there needs to be some way to help single mothers get out of poverty so mother and child can thrive.
Normally, rights and responsibilities go hand in hand.
I’m not sure I understand your comment in this context.
Meaning that if women have all the rights with regards to pregnancy and children, they should have all of the corresponding responsibilities.
Virtually any mother should be able to find support enough to provide her children a decent life, though a conventional marriage or other means, or should be independently wealthy enough to take care of a child. That's responsibility. Failing in that responsibility is abuse or neglect.
I don't agree with any obligation whatsoever placed on the father (which puts me at odds with our podcast guest here). Thinking about someone who donates to a sperm bank, I don't see why a father who does it the old fashioned way is really any different. But I also don't agree that there is any role for the government in making up for absent fathers. I'm all for stable families, but that's not achieved through mandated child support payments and punitive divorce law, it's through people forming actual relationships.
I guess, with this position, you must be very supportive of any woman who finds herself pregnant and unprepared to provide for the child having an abortion then…?
I'm probably around the median opinion of having some reluctant acceptance of early-term abortions. I wouldn't say I'm "very supportive".
And at the risk of stating the obvious, the passive language phrase "finds herself pregnant" is quite misleading in serving to suggest that the hypothetical woman is not responsible for this state of affairs.
Even if father can pay $50/month. That would be good. The money is a good way to support help your child.
Of course! I didn’t mean to imply that contributing (and being involved) isn’t important… only that it may not enough for thriving.
I did not mean to be critical! Just saying, if all you can do is $50/month it is better than zero. No, not enough for a thriving childhood. As a mother of 2 (married w/resources) I can say every little bit helps. According to 2015 USDA report, cost to raise a child to age 17 is $233,610 ($1,145/month)