Sandra, an Australian member of a Childfree discussion group to which I am subscribed, wrote this rant below. I think she’s terrific, has loads of common sense and is so colourful, which is why I simply had to post this here :) For background, what brought on this topic, originally, was a mention of Rev. Fred Nile, who tried to introduce legislation that a woman could only have an abortion if the fetus’ father gave permission.
“Despite men’s obligations under the Child Support Act these pricks like to have a bet both ways. Basically if a woman does go ahead with a child HE does not want, then HE should not have to pay for child support OR can insist on a termination. OTOH, if she is pregnant with his child and she does not want a pregnancy, HE can make her have the child. It all boils down to his decisions.
These people operate on their ill-conceived paradigm that since men cannot control their sexual urges it is up to women to be the sexual and moral gatekeepers because women, supposedly, are indifferent about sex. Basically what they are saying is; if a woman cannot keep her legs together she gets what she deserves. I have freqeuntly intoned that if a bloke does not want to get a bird up the duff, then he ought to keep it in his pants.
My other theory, which I am sure I have shared here before, is that the control over female fertility is to intended to control them sexually and economically. If pregnancy can be used as a tool of fear and oppression, as punishment for having sex, then women will have to think twice about having sex. Being a single mother is very likely to place a woman in poverty and it certainly can slow her progress in work and education. Take away contraception and abortion and women become dependant on a reliable male provider is she is to avoid poverty.
The other reason these dickheads fear female sexual independance is sexual insecurity. The possibility that a heterosexual woman has seen a bigger ding-ding or experienced a better lover strikes real fear in the hearts of these men. And, the women who trade on their woo like is it some kind of prize — whether she is trading a peice of her for a drink, dinner date or a wedding band — are intimidated by sexually-free women because their behaviour reduces the market price, so to speak. Ever seen a young woman flashing her new engagement ring? It is like a trophy. “Look at me, someone thinks my cu*t is worth a shiny rock!”
What was scary about Nile’s proposal is that, at the extreme, it would mean a rapist could force his victim to bear his child. It also undermines the “sanctity of life” argument that these dickwads frequently intone. If their philosphical postion is indeed, a foetus has a right to life, then it would be applied in all circumstances. Nile’s position that abortion is only permitted when the father wants it quite simply reveals what Nile’s true intent is; that female sexuality be owned by men and that pregnancy should be an instrument of fear to punish women for having sex.”
***
I have had an abortion (and would do so again if I found myself pregnant, despite using contraception), so obviously, having that choice is important to me. There’s so need to launch into a diatribe about my reasons. BUT, that aside, the Reverend sparked a few questions in my mind. In Nile’s thought, the law would tie everything up in a neat little package. But, the analytical side of me inmmediately started wondering about costs. Who would pay for the legwork of obtaining consent, who would pay for overseeing that the law was followed or for prosecuting those breaking it? I also became curious as to how Nile, ideally, would have it handled if the woman did not know who the father is… would he think she’s a tramp and her punishment should be to have the child? Or, would he prefer to track down and test any men with whom she’d had sex during the probable time frame… and if so, again, I wondered who would bear the cost of that search and/or testing… or what would happen if the man could not be found? See, I’m the inquisitive sort. I like to consider all possibilities and, yes, sometimes, to play Devil’s Advocate. Ooh, a mere mention of Satan and coupled with a positive word towards “advocacy” at that! I must be a minion, a heathen headed straight for hell, eh Rev. Nile? See you there, Sir! ;)
Edited: December 9th, 2008
