Reproductive Totalitarianism

Anti-abortion voters and activists can live up to their values by doing everything in their power to care for unwanted children or children whose parents cannot care for them. They can lend their support to programs that provide food and healthcare to those in need. They can contribute to scholarships that cover educational costs for youngsters and teens. They can volunteer for programs that keep kids active and out of trouble. Any of these contributions will make a difference in the lives of children.

Anti-abortion advocates should also consider adopting unwanted children. Adopt four kids, and you stop four abortions. Get a dozen others to do the same, and that’s fifty-two abortions prevented, a big win.

But let’s be realistic. How many people do you think will take on the challenge of adopting unwanted children? Very few, I would guess. 

Most anti-abortion activists don’t want to raise other people’s children. They don’t to take on the responsibility. They don’t want to change diapers and wipe noses. They don’t want to bandage scraped knees or rush feverish kids to the hospital. They don’t want to deal with moody teens or pay for college. The prefer an easy, tidy solution where politicians coerce law enforcement to punish doctors and shift the full burden onto your women regardless of their circumstances. 

The “pro-life” movement is not about life. It’s about control. Anti-abortion activists show little interest in raising unwanted children, feeding them, clothing them, paying their medical bills, educating them, supporting their development, keeping them safe from violence, or caring for their needs. 

A legal ban on abortion is reproductive totalitarianism. It has no place in a free society. Women should be able to control their destinies without government oversight or the meddling of well-meaning neighbors who are not willing to lift a finger to help them raise a child.