Paper Abortions: Do Fathers Have a Right to Abortion?

What are paper abortions?

The term Paper Abortions means “abortions on paper”. They are often refer to as financial abortions. The idea behind this is that an expectant father should also have the right to have an abortion – namely by signing a declaration of consent in which he gives up both his rights and his obligations as the biological father of a (still unborn) child.

The concept was introduce in the 90s by Steven Hales , a philosopher. it was a theory. But apart from the USA, the concept has also been discus in Denmark and Sweden . Proponents of paper abortions – they are clearly in the minority – see an injustice.

Because if an un want pregnancy occurs, the woman who carries the fetus in most western countries has the right to decide for or against an abortion. Base on the “Her body, her choice” principle, she can make this decision if necessary against the will of the father-to-be. In other words: Even if the man speaks out in favor of an abortion, the woman could decide to carry the baby to term. The baby comes with child support entitlements.

Why is the concept controversial?

The fact that the father-to-be has a say in the end, but not decision-making power when it comes to a potential abortion, sounds anything but fair, especially from a male perspective. However, in the end, the proponents of paper abortions make it a little too easy for themselves.

Because an abortion on paper cannot be compare with an actual abortion. Because there is a difference between having a medical procedure carry out and just signing a piece of paper. Aside from potential complications and pain, the affect person can suffer from psychological consequences for years afterwards. Comparing this procedure with a simple signature on paper does not do it justice by any means.

And: Even if the father “drifts” on paper, that doesn’t change the fact that a child will be born after nine months – a child who has needs like everyone else and will long for a father figure.

The chance of an un want pregnancy usually serves as an incentive to have safe sex. With the concept of paper abortions, the “problem” for the man would only be resolve with a signature. So it could lead to sexual recklessness on the part of men. Paper abortions are a solution that does not exist in this form for pregnant women. And in the end, the misconception that contraception is only a woman’s business is confirm.

Paper abortions: a mistake in reasoning

Aside from moral concerns, the question arises whether paper abortions can even be implement. Because what happens if the man who abort on paper comes into contact with the child after years? Does he then have to make additional payments to the single mother?

In theory, the system could also be use to claim government payments. What if a father has an abortion on paper, the mother is officially a single parent, raises a child partly at the expense of the taxpayer, but the couple stays together anyway?

How much equality is possible?

The thought that there is a solution for more equality for such a sensitive issue as un plan pregnancies is nice, but utopian. Even if equality is definitely to be advocate, there is one fact that cannot be ignore: men and women are entitle to equality, but they are not the same. Naturally.

Women can have children. Men don’t. Sex can lead to pregnancies. But any physical risks associated with pregnancy or termination fall back on the woman in the end. It is logical that they should be supported in their independent decision-making – ideally also morally, but at least financially. A signature on a piece of paper is just the “easy way out”. Further more visit us at counselling center in Dubai.