The right to terminate a pregnancy has been contested for decades, and it’s still an ongoing debate in many countries. This complex issue has been simplified to an inordinate extent. Some people believe that abortion should be legal because it gives women control over their own bodies and their reproductive rights, while others believe that abortion should be illegal because they feel it violates the sanctity of life.
This article will discuss the possible impacts of termination on men’s mental health and how it can affect their relationships with women.
What Does Terminating a Pregnancy Entail?
An abortion is a medical procedure that terminates an unwanted pregnancy. The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a sensitive topic that has been hotly debated for decades. In the United States, it’s estimated that about 1 in 3 pregnancies end in abortion. Abortion is one of the most common medical procedures for women.
An abortion can be done by taking a pill, or surgery can be performed to remove the fetus from the uterus. It is not safe for women with certain health conditions to have an abortion, so it is recommended that they consult their doctor before deciding on what type of procedure to get. Abortion procedures can be performed during the first trimester, second trimester, or third trimester of a pregnancy.
An Important Issue Reduced to Slogans
The conversation surrounding this topic has been reduced to slogans and virtue signaling. It might easy to write off someone who disagrees with you as a ‘baby-killer’ or a ‘pro-life nut’ but complex issues don’t have easy answers. A discussion on the decision to terminate a pregnancy helps society. It also helps to reduce the stigma that is often associated with this topic and leads to a more thoughtful and inclusive strategy when it becomes an option.
Staging The Argument
I’m not going to pretend that I grasp the difficulty of a woman’s decision to terminate a pregnancy. The right to terminate a pregnancy comes from the argument that women have the right to control their own bodies and make decisions about their own lives. This includes what they do with their reproductive organs, as well as when they choose to have children.
As it stands, the decision of whether or not to have an abortion should be made between a woman and her doctor. It is not just a woman’s choice, but it is her right. You can find many dissections of the topic through the Planned Parenthood website. This discussion is meant to encourage women to involve their partners in such decisions. This article will not be discussing the merits of the procedure or morality of the issue.
The Role of a Partner
A partnership is an intimate relationship between two (or more) people. Each partner contributes to the relationship by bringing their own personalities and areas of expertise. The intimacy of the relationship gives your partner important insight into who you are and your subtleties. The advantage of having two sets of eyes, knowledgebases, and areas of expertise with overlap is more valuable than being alone.
You wouldn’t make a decision as large as buying a house or moving to a new city without discussing it with your partner. It holds true for terminating a pregnancy. You would be missing out on the insight your partner can provide, despite their bias. The gesture can serve as a symbol of love and commitment between two people.
The Impact of Abortion on Men’s Mental Health
The issue has been extensively studied in the last few years, and research has shown that there are many different ways in which abortion can affect both women and men. Some have a difficult time coping with the emotional and mental stress of an abortion. It can leave lingering feelings of guilt, anger, or sadness. Many have trouble coping with their feelings.
For some men, the decision to have an abortion was made without their input or consideration. They may feel angry or betrayed by their partner for making this decision without their consent. Some may also feel regretful about the decision they made, feeling like they could have done more to prevent the pregnancy in the first place. These feelings can lead to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
It is also an event that impacts the man involved in the pregnancy, and has the potential to impact his mental health and relationship with women.
Personal Anecdote
The initial confirmation of the pregnancy was one of the happiest moments of my life. I was going to be a father. Even in such an early stage, there was nothing I loved more. I returned home one day to the news. It was devastating. The person I trusted more than anyone could not trust me. It was rare to decide dinner without a discussion.
The decision to terminate was made without warning, input, or advice. I dissolved to an uncertain mess. The weight of the announcement leeched into every nook and cranny. My routine was in shambles. I gave up on my education, paying bills, making food. I couldn’t look at her without resentment. My mind was unweaving.
It was a decision from which we could not return. I had to leave.
Conclusion
There is a lot of stigma surrounding the termination of a pregnancy but make sure you include your partner in the decision. Give them the opportunity to provide input. This doesn’t consign you to a decision, it just bolsters your beliefs about whatever decision you ultimately decide to make.