How would you feel if there was an outright ban on abortion in the USA ?

1. 70

   itakinsposted 12 years ago

   How would you feel if there was an outright ban on abortion in the USA ?
   
   Following a nationwide referendum ,the majority vote is that abortion should be banned.How would you feel?

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2. 90

   Rock_njposted 12 years ago

   I would feel like we are taking a step backwards in time and not being realistic about the matter of abortion.  For one thing, an official ban will not end abortion, it will drive it underground where women will likely die from unsafe procedures that are done privately.  For another thing, isn't the abortion issue becoming moot, since an early term abortion can be induced by digesting certain herbs or medications?  I also feel like we should prepare for a higher child abuse and crime rate in the U.S. as unfortunate side effects of a lot of unwanted children coming into the world.
   
   I understand that people feel strongly about banning abortion.  But realistically, would an abortion end the practice or drive it underground?

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3. 72

   JamesPoppellposted 12 years ago

   Hmm, very sensitive subject and a great question. This question always leaves me torn with questions such as, what if rape was a circumstance? Personally, I am against abortion, but then again, who am I to say if it should be banned or not? I hardly think I am qualified to speak on behalf of all parties involved. Without knowing the individual circumstances of each case I am unable to speak on another persons behalf. Even though I am against abortion, I do not think I would be comfortable with an outright, across the board ban on it in the USA, or anywhere for that matter. I am not for a police state on this issue. People who are fanatically against abortion have a very dangerous mind set and I for one do not want to be counted among them.

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4. 37

   ChristinSposted 12 years ago

   I would seriously consider moving to another more progressive country.  Once women's rights are stripped away due to religious pandering it is time for me to move to a country that is actually free.  pro-choice is the majority and is why Roe v Wade will never be overturned.
   
   I am personally pro-life - for MYSELF.  I do not have the right to tell a rape victim what to do, or someone whose life may be endangered by continuing a pregnancy and she has other kids to consider, or someone whose birth control did not work as planned etc., or a drug addict who worries the child may be damaged etc.  Until we walk a mile in another woman's shoes we cannot judge.
   
   That being said - even being pro-choice I would not be against banning certain types of procedures.  HOWEVER, partial birth abortions are greatly exaggerated and VERY rare.   The problem is people on both sides of this issue only see black or white - they can't or will not find middle ground.
   
   I also think we need real, genuine sex ed in schools (not abstinence only preaching) if we really want to reduce the number of abortions.

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   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   I am a Catholic--converted from the Baptist Church about 20 years ago and I have an adopted son.
   
   I am opposed to abortion. I also recognize the political realities. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, which is not likely anytime soon, there were be legislation that would seek to ban abortions except when the health or life of the mother was in danger and in cases of rape and incest. That is a political reality.
   
   I am not a theologian and as I have grown older my views on this topic have become more conservative. If there was an outright ban, I would not be upset.
   
   Now I have to admit that I am speaking from a somewhat bias perspective. As I said my wife and I have an adopted son. We could not have children, so the issue contraception was never really an issue for us.
   
   I cannot answer the questions about population control and other matters. The issue about a woman having the right to control her own body is compelling, but she exercised that right when she had sexual relations, knowing it could lead to pregnancy. (Rape and incest are different and admittedly do not have a good answer.) The question has always been when does life begin. I think stem cell research is showing that the basis of life begins at conception, thus abortion is not a viable alternative.
   
   Finally, I have never believed in abortion as a form of birth control. It has always been a matter of convenience (with some exceptions). Every person engaging in sex should know that the result could be pregnancy. That is when the choice should be made, before and not after. Rape and incest are more complicated, but many people conceived that way have gone on to lead meaningful and productive lives.
   
   There will always be debate on the issue.
   
   Finally, as some have noted, an outright ban will send those seeking abortions to the underground abortion mills. So, you will probably never stop it, but a ban might make more people think about the consequences.

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6. 66

   Gypsy Willowposted 12 years ago

   I would be very worried for the women seeking back street abirtions which is bound to occur.

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   xethonxqposted 12 years ago

   I think that's absolutely ridiculous. I do not like the idea that someone else can dictate what I can or cannot do with my body.

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   James A Watkinsposted 12 years ago

   I think it would be the greatest thing to happen in America since the end of slavery. At the least, it should be decided state by state so that if you want to live in a state that kills its babies you can but if you don't you aren't forced to live on ground from which the blood of the slain cries out.

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9. 86

   DzyMsLizzyposted 12 years ago

   I do not believe it is any of the government's business to make these kinds of decisions in the first place.  It is not up to the government, but up to the individual.
   I agree with Rock_nj and Gypsy Willow.
   Whatever my personal beleifs are, I do not believe that I have the right or any business trying to force them upon anyone else, for it's no more my business than that of the government.
   It's really very simple:  If you don't believe in abortion, don't have one.  But mind your own business.

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10. 90

    LHwritingsposted 12 years ago

    This was the situation before Roe v. Wade in the 1970s, when women "in trouble" had to go to illicit back-room quacks with coathangers or dubious "medications". I would oppose it vigorously. Currently there is a de facto ban in about 85% of the counties in the USA, since access to abortion is prohibited. Abortion is nothing more than a woman intervening in her own body to benefit her own health — every woman must have that right. Now the anti-abortionists are openly crusading for their next goal — banning the right to birth control (contraception). Once again, savvy women who respect their own rights must organize to fight this effort to return to the horrors of half a century ago.

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    onlookerposted 12 years ago

    It would truly be a sad moment. In this day and age, people have the right to make the choices they want to. It's just like letting a 13 or a 14 year old girl miss school and forget about all else till the baby arrives. She can make mistakes and then correct them too. I don't see how this should be anyone elses decision. For all the laws and dreams USA stands for this would certainly be a foolish one.

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