Defense for abortion? Just a thought

[Lohman446]

Edit: i realize that this probably isnt your view, but to bring it up as though it had the possibility of validity...

I consider the possibility of validity in nearly every argument I hear. The fact of the matter is it is very possible that this argument is valid. Granted there is a lack of control data that makes it nearly impossible to correlate the facts to the theory. However, you presume I would take a step I don't, that this theory, even if valid, justifies abortion. I could say this theory is true, I could even argue the validity of the theory and still not support the conclusion that thus abortion is acceptable. I am morally opposed to abortion, and this argument, even if accepted, does not change my conclusion.

To not consider other arguments, and the possibility of the logic being valid, even if you do not accept the conclusion, leads to a close minded way of looking at things and weakens your own arguments by failing to understand other points of view. At least in my opinion.

[Lohman446]

Oh, and more to the point, I quite honestly wish more of you peoples parents had believed in abortion.

I thought this would lead to interesting discussion... and to me it has to a degree. Am I nuts? could be. Does it really matter? Nope. Its the great thing about a "free" society... as long as I don't tread on your toes what I do really doesn't matter. Ethical hedonism, its a great thing.

[Jeffy-CanCon]

It is said by some (usually demographers) that demographics explains everything. The declining crime rate of the 1990's has been pinned to the fact that young people commit most crimes, and there are overall less young people now than there were in the 1950s-80s. Whether or not that fact can be attached to the legalization of abortion is debatable.

EDIT:
A quick check of US Census statistics renders the above statement as hasty/idiotic. It was based on what I'd read of Canadian figures, and the US population trends are actually very different. You have a much higher birthrate!

[deadeye9]

Not you personally.

[Thordic]

Lohman, i am so weirded out that you would bring up such an obviously inhuman and well, sick, view, maby you just hadnt thought it through...?

Lohman, I was referring to this asshat, not you. I would tend to agree with your viewpoints.

If you look at abortion statistics, you would probably find that the majority of abortions take place amongst either the poor, or those who would be unable to complete their education if they had the child (thereby forcing them into the lower-paying job bracket).

If you look at the prisons, the majority of criminals are from lower-income backgrounds.

So of course an increase in abortions will lead to a decrease in criminals. I don't think its a very effective arguement for abortion, but it makes perfect sense.

[Target Practice]

As opposed to rationality.

Hahahahahha

Oh, and more to the point, I quite honestly wish more of you peoples parents had believed in abortion.

Ditto, unless of course it includes me, then you can stuff it.

[Thordic]

Ditto, unless of course it includes me, then you can stuff it.

Unfortunately your parents are Catholic.

[Jonneh]

I think we should raise the legal termination age to around 20 years.

[Target Practice]

Unfortunately your parents are Catholic.

Oh yeah. Duh.

[Thordic]

I think we should make new statutes for abortion. Jonneh is on to something.

For example, a parent should be able to "abort" the child any time from conception till their 18th birthday. If your kid is 16 and turning out to be a real pain in the ***, oh well, you can fix the problem before he is unleashed on society.

It'd make parental discipline that much more interesting.

"You better behave yourself, Junior! I got the abortion paperwork sittin right here!"

[Target Practice]

"Finish your vegetables honey, or you'll finish them in HELL! That's right, there will REALLY be no dessert where YOU'RE going, you little bastard!"

[Glickman]

I think we should raise the legal termination age to around 20 years.

actually this is an interesting idea. make the legal age higher.

Although im sure hes not quoting from a brick-hard statistic, my math teacher had said most men dont fully develop the part of the brain related to decision making untill 21. Not something to write down, but just another way to think.

the only problem is that it still is a way for people to not have to take responsiblity. Granted, there will be more mature, and carefully chosen decisions though, due to the age restriction.

on the other hand, then does that mean an 18 year old pregnant girl will take matters into her own hands, or that of a friend named "cockroach" in his downstairs basement?

its like giving out condoms:
1. In a way your promoting sex

2. Yet, your making safety available.

same with no age restrictions:
1. In a way, promoting it

2. Yet, its safe, and available

[Lohman446]

actually this is an interesting idea. make the legal age higher.

Although im sure hes not quoting from a brick-hard statistic, my math teacher had said most men dont fully develop the part of the brain related to decision making untill 21. Not something to write down, but just another way to think.

the only problem is that it still is a way for people to not have to take responsiblity. Granted, there will be more mature, and carefully chosen decisions though, due to the age restriction.

on the other hand, then does that mean an 18 year old pregnant girl will take matters into her own hands, or that of a friend named "cockroach" in his downstairs basement?

its like giving out condoms:
1. In a way your promoting sex

2. Yet, your making safety available.

same with no age restrictions:
1. In a way, promoting it

2. Yet, its safe, and available

He meant allowing you to abort your child until they were 20 years old...

[Glickman]

He meant allowing you to abort your child until they were 20 years old...

... couldve said that before i actually started THINKING


in that case... how old are you thor?

[spantol]

could you stand infront of your 5 year old child with a pistol? would you be able to fire a shot, even if it was poor, weak, helpless, and ill-cared for.
well, how is that any different from abortion?

The five year old is self-aware. You're entitled to disagree, but that seems a good litmus test to me, whether we're talking a zygote or Terry Schaivo. I shed no tears for the loss of non-sentient life.

IIRC, the cerebral cortex starts differentiating around the 30th week. Allowing for a margin of error, I'd be comfortable calling the 25th week the cut-off between out-patient surgery and child killing.

Back on topic, this research, and more like it, is documented in Freakonomics, a wholly remarkable book. Much of the stuff in there is fascinating; I highly recommend it.