I had always assumed that if a man had gotten a woman pregnant, then if that pregnancy is carried to term, both partners should be financially responsible for the child regardless whether the man had wanted to have the child or not. The mindset being "they got them pregnant, so you have to face the consequences'".

I was talking with some people online, and they asserted that if the man did not want to have the child, then they should be able to apply to be resolved of any financial responsibility towards caring for it. I was at first against this proposal, but I feel like I now understand it better. Our current legislation was created at a time where abortion was tantamount to murder, and since it was illegal, an obligation of financial responsibility was the only way to ensure that women weren't stranded with children they couldn't afford to raise. But now that we live in a world where abortion is legal (for now), and where abortion procedures are safer than carrying the child to term, there doesn't seem to be a good argument for men still needing to be financially responsible for unwanted children. Men probably would still need to assist in paying for the procedure, but outside of that, I think they had a point. Please explain to me if there is anything I'm failing to consider here.

I also want to apologize for the binary language I used in writing this. I tried at first to write this in a more inclusive way, but I struggled wrapping my head around it. If anyone can educate me in how to write in a way that doesn't disclude non-binary comrades, I would appreciate it.

  • ofriceandruin [none/use name]
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    4 years ago

    Once a child is there, that child “claims” both parents’ support.

    I'd reframe this to "a child claims support from society." This takes the burden off of individuals and places it on society.

    • PapaEmeritusIII [any]
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      4 years ago

      Sure, but I was responding more to this part of your comment:

      the sperm producer MUST PAY

      Because actually, uterus-havers can also end up responsible for child support. This just doesn’t happen very often.

      • ofriceandruin [none/use name]
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        4 years ago

        I said that in response to many comments in this thread that seemed to rest their entire argument on the "sperm producer" paying, etc.