Men's Role in Abortion Decisions: Rights, Responsibilities, and Perspectives

Question
Hi. My question is do you feel that a man (husband, boyfriend of pregnant woman) should have a say in the decision regarding an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy? And what if the couple discusses it, and can not agree upon what is the best decision? Part of me feels it should be the woman's choice, but then what about the father's rights? And can we really expect men to step up and take responsibility for their child once it's born, if we don't allow them a say in the decision regarding the pregnancy? I am conflicted about this, and would like to get another point of view. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Candace :)

He can have an opinion, but he's not going to experience almost a year of pregnancy, 24/7, and all the complications that it can bring. It's like he's provided half the tools to build a car, but the woman is the one who puts everything together. He knew that by having intercourse, pregnancy was a risk. And part of that risk is the possibility of providing for a child that results from his actions. It may suck, but that's just reality. The decision, if disagreed upon, should always go to the person who surrenders their body for 10 months. The father can ditch the kid, maybe having to pay child support. But he cans till get up and leave and never look back, something a pregnant woman or mother cannot do as easily. He still can have a say in what happens with the pregnancy, but I'm sure he wouldn't want his gf making the decision for him to join the military when he doesn't want to.