But what about when a pregnant woman lives in a society that gives her real and considerable reason to fear having a girl? The kind of society where dowry systems mean an inconveniently gendered child could bankrupt a family, or one where a livid patriarch deprived of a male heir could turn his fury on both mother and daughter? In those situations, a woman wouldn't just be justified in seeking sex selective abortion; she'd be thoroughly rational to do so.

In a male-dominated culture, legalized sex-based abortions could just as well lead to pressure to abort against the woman's wishes.

thenewgreen:

Within the US we don't have the sort of dowry/misogynistic culture referenced in the post. What is the fear of allowing women this choice in the US? My guess is that it might not be the female fetus' that are aborted most often.

On a gut level, I really don't like the idea of this. But then, on a gut level I don't like the idea of abortion in general. I'm pro-choice, because I believe it's the mother/fathers decision to make but I am a strong proponent of "choose life."

My mom was 18 and unmarried when she found out she was pregnant with me. There were a lot of people whispering in her ear to abort the pregnancy. I'm eternally grateful that she did not.


posted 3864 days ago