Gender and Position on Abortion
An analysis of surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2004 indicates that "33% of women say they strongly oppose more restrictions on abortion, compared with 26% of men." Is this a debate rooted in gender? Or are there a range of opinions and positions held by both women and men?
The following poll may shed some light on whether or not gender plays a role in an individual's support of - or opposition to - abortion.
A couple of clarifications: As used below, 'exceptions' would be situations such as rape, incest, and/or only if the mother's life is in danger; 'restrictions' would refer to specific time frames for abortion or methods of abortion. (All would be within the current existing guidelines for legal abortion in the United States.)
What's your gender and position on abortion?
- Female, strongly pro-life, no exceptions
- Female, pro-life, some exceptions
- Female, undecided
- Female, pro-choice, some restrictions
- Female, strongly pro-choice, no restrictions
- Male, strongly pro-life, no exceptions
- Male, pro-life, some exceptions
- Male, undecided
- Male, pro-choice, some restrictions
- Male, strongly pro-choice, no restrictions
Comments
For as many years as I can remember, I have been pro-choice. It was not until recently that I switched my opinion on abortion to pro-life. This has been met with scorn by the pro-choice supporters and I still feel that everyone in this country is allowed an opinion on this topic. Should you wish to read my columns on this subject, please Google search: Abortion: Who will speak out for the little ones. Also, The survivors of abortion. Please Google my name along with those subject titles so you will read the correct two pieces.
Best,
Mary MacElveen
http://www.marymacelveen.com
I REALLY THINK ITS TIME TO STAND UP AND BE BIG GIRLS NOW.1.AFTER ALL THIS IS MY BODY,YES, YES, AND AGAIN YES. NO YOU SHOULD NOT PUSSY FOOT AROUND GENDER, I AM A WOMAN. DONT YOU DARE DECIDE FOR ME, GROW UP, EQUAL RIGHTS, HA HA . ALL GAY WOMEN SHOULD BE PROUD. IT IS A WAY OF LIFE. DONT TAKE OUR RIGHTS TO THE VOTING BOX ANYMORE. NO WAY GROW UP, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. WITH NO RESPECT FOR HIPPACRITS!!!!!!BRIDGET
I think this survey would be better if you included the life of the mother as a separate exception than rape or incest. Most, if not all, strongly pro-life people recognize that abortion is sometimes a necessary procedure to save the life of the mother. I am a woman and a strong feminist, but I am also strongly pro-life. I think feminism does not preclude the belief that humanity begins at conception. As women, we should be united against those that abuse and manipulate women, but we also should recognize that women, alone, can be mothers, and that we have a duty to protect any child that is already within the womb. Yes, many relationships are complicated and many pregnancies are unintended, but why should we rest with the social status quo? I think it is a disservice to other women if we do not fight for a society that accepts the fertility of women, that is not so centered around catering to men’s sexual wants, and that gives women the real support they need to be mothers and to pursue a career. Every woman should have the right to chose whether or not to be a mother, but that decision must come before the child is conceived, not afterwards.
IF YOU DON’T LIKE ABORTION YOU DON’T DO IT
you have NOOOOOOOOO RIGHT to tell others what to do
For the longest time I was against abortion. It was black and white to me…
Then, when I was 17 I found out I was pregnant. I had no idea. It was a great shock! My Mom had passed away a little over a year ago, and I was living on my own. Partying all the time. I’d been dating one guy for 2 years.
The last thing I expected the Dr to say was you’re pregnant, what are you going to do. I was shell shocked. My first instinct was I’d have my baby. And the Dr. said I should consider an abortion, but if I did, I only had about a week to decide…
So I went home in a daze. I was so scared to tell my boyfriend…and when I told him he was so cold…told me to get rid of it. I felt like I was all alone, and started thinking maybe it would be better to have an abortion.So I prayed, and prayed, and begged God to forgive me, and I cried an ocean of tears. I was so scared. I started hearing all these stories about fanatics blowing up clinincs, and waiting for women to come out after having an abortion and getting shot! It was scary. But tried to make an appt. in town, but they said I was too far along at 10.5 weeks. So I had to go out of town.I had to find a ride….
I went to the appointment, spoke with the counselor, weighed my options.There was no pressure. These clinics don’t just offer abortion services, but opposite services as well. The counslor was going to give me some papers on where to call for adoption options.
But I ultimately did what felt in my heart was the right decision. I had the abortion. Sure I’ve felt regret, but mostly relief.
I am grateful that as women it’s our right to choose! And I’ll wager some of the Pro-Lifers would change their tune if ever they stood in my shoes that April fools day when I was 17…
Why should others be able to tell us women what we should or shouldn’t do with our own bodies? No one else is involved in our decision. So, the consequences are ours alone to bear, therefore the choice should be left up to us!
Renn. you’re dumb.
Jessica I disagree with your statement. Even though we are women have the right to choose does not mean we punish an unborn baby for it!!! If a women is pregnant and she does not want to mother her baby I think it best she adopt!!! What gives women or people in general the right to MURDER ANOTHER HUMAN BEING? I have always been pro-life but I do understand other womens points of view when its c omes to circumstances that involves incest or rape. Renn that is a deep story and I see why you felt it necessary to abort in that situation it was extremely tough!!!!! Personally if I were pregnant and I could not care for the baby during the time I would perfer contacting adoption agencies so the baby will have a family where it is loved and cared for. “Whats the less of the greater evils ABORTIONS OR ABUSE” I say neither since Abortions=murder & Abusre=torture. i would go with ADOPTION it stands up for pro-life and will acts as a catalyst for the babys existence.
Samira, you’re an idiot.