I'm having a little trouble expanding on the general thoughts I've had on this week's topic, so how'sabout I begin a discussion?
One of this week's readings on the importance of the role of ambivalence in making a decision made me think: In the case pregnancy/reproductive choice/etc., is a decision ever really yours as an individual? Does that choice really belong to you?
After considering the myriad of elements that influence or even make or break the choice in question, is the outcome of that decision really in your best interest, or in the best interest of all the other contributing factors (which, consequently, can either make your life easier or much more difficult). Obviously choice is essential, and I'm incredibly grateful for the options I have, but in my opinion, the decisions we make with these given choices in regards to abortion/adoption/childbearing/parenting are much more about appeasing everyone but ourselves as a way to lessen excess, unnecessary pressures and stresses. Let me know what you think!
-Maddie Byrne
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Well, I suppose I'm a little confused as well.
ReplyDeleteWould you mind expanding on what you mean by "the decisions we make with these given choices in regards to abortion/adoption/childbearing/parenting are much more about appeasing everyone but ourselves as a way to lessen excess, unnecessary pressures and stresses".
What pressures and stresses are you referring to, exactly?
I ask because I feel like being given a choice would relieve pressures and stresses. Not to say that deciding between raising a child or aborting a fetus isn't hard or stressful. However, I think I'd be more stressed if I was being forced to have a child and not have a say in the matter.
As far as other influences on such monumental decisions, yes - there will always be outside things influencing your choices. You have your parents, friends, baby daddy, the baby, etc that you will take into consideration when making a decision to keep a child or not. I think that that's what should happen - DO keep others in mind. HOW will this affect them? Because if I'm a teen making the choice to keep my baby and to be a mother, I feel like I SHOULD be taking others into consideration. How will this affect my relationship with my parents? My friends? My boyfriend? His family? I think it would be irresponsible NOT to take others into consideration.
Although these people will influence your decision, they shouldn't MAKE the decision for you. It is YOUR decision because it is YOUR body. No one should be able to force you to use your body in a way that you are not comfortable with.
aaaand...yup. that's what i think. hope that's helpful!
-clare powell