Why does society only speak of "responsibility" when it applies to men?

Question

It's completely amazing how the pregnancy issue works in society.

When women wish to opt out of parenthood, they do. Legally.

I don't hear the word "responsibility" mentioned in that situation.

When men wish to opt out of parenthood, it is illegal and society thrashes them with talk of "responsibility" and men are "deadbeats."

Women have a legal free pass to "terminate" their baby if they don't want to be a parent.

Men are criminalized and forced into financial slavery when they don't want to be a parent.

There is such a double standard here and such a clear violation of the 14th Amendment.

I wonder if this is more of that "male privilege" I hear about.

(careful... If you try to argue that the man shouldn't have had s*x... I'm going to bring up the fact that the same EXACT argument can be used against women that legally abort their children.)

Answer 1

Hey, spin docotor.... you are forgetting one important piece of the discussion....

the physical risk associated with carrying pregnancy to term.  

If a woman does not want to take that risk, she has a legal right to opt out of it...in the same way as you are never forced to donate a kidney or part of your liver if you don't want to.

Mystery Meat is right...you haven't been listening.

Answer 2

Having an abortion is taking responsibility.  You may not, morally or otherwise, approve of abortion, but it is taking responsibility for the consequences of one's actions (or circumstances, in the case of sexual assault).

It's called "child support," not "woman support," for a reason.  It is intended to support a child.  Both women and men can be required to pay child support.  It is gender neutral.

Answer 3

Stop thinking with your little guy and you would not be where you are...(kidding)...

Pregnancy is not for the lighthearted - its a huge thing,..its not just being a parent (though that of course is huge also)... for pregnancy,  the average 8 minutes of s*x that makes it happen  -- is when both people have a choice... afterwards, its her entire life changing.. men can and DO walk away.. some legally, same not so much. but right there is a choice as well...

Women should have the choice --  its not your body going through a pregnancy -- possible major surgery, risking complications - medical changes as well as hormonal -- ruining their bodies potentially so men (who have choices here on how they treat women after a pregnancy) will find them attractive and not look at them as less of a woman ---  when men can get pregnant and are faced with the same obstacle and physical and emotional consequences of the actual pregnancy itself - well when THAT DAY happens, then I am sure men will have the same legal rights to allow their bodies to go through those things or not... and women will then be placed in the situation of having to keep a baby they may or may not really want -- or at least contribute to it financially...

biology gives us the right my friend...  men are not the only ones who can use biology as an argument to why things are...  ;-)

Answer 4

Because more debate is needed to change the mindset of people and then only a new abortion law can be created?

Answer 5

Saying that this is a violation of the 14th Amendment is a real stretch. Family law should be amended to reflect the needs of both sexes, but I seriously doubt that anyone would find these problems unconstitutional.

Answer 6

there shouldnt be a double standard when  it comes to parental responsibility

the child support laws were made when women really didnt have it equal and NEEDED child support..but women work now and are competitive in the work field. child support should not be mandatory..perhaps only after divorces and the money is to maintain the lifestyle the child has grown accustomed to

Answer 7

FACT:  Most women do not get abortions.  

Child support is for the child.  In our society children have a right to be supported by both parents.    I think thats a good thing!  Keeps them out of the taxpayers wallet.  

Only for the past 20 years (since HLA- then DNA) have men been required to support children they father out of wedlock.  Before that they could get some of their best buds to come in and say they had s*x with the woman as well.  Lots of guys did this.

EDIT  AGAIN -  Most women do not get abortions.  If a woman gets an abortion he does not have to pay child support.    VALID ARGUMENT.  

SLS

Answer 8

If a woman abandons her baby there are few who do not think that that is the worst thing to do, and many who are happy to let her know their opinion loud and clear. Most parents who leave the children are men, and many of those men will drop all contact once they have a new family to 'look after'.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself, you are not a victim.

Answer 9

I will agree abortion laws favor women and leave men out.

but i havnt seen a real solution to this problem yet.

As to the 14th amendment.....do what? That is talking about citizenship, civil rights of black and white men (women were not included until the 19th amendment)

Passed in 1868...yet women were not give the same rights until 1920.

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

Answer 10

"Why does society only speak of "responsibility" when it applies to men?"

you obviously  haven't been listening...