To say that a man should not love, grieve, or possess rights to his own flesh and blood is utterly and completely stupid. Men should have the same legal rights in abortion issues as women have, as they do at birth, adoption, and custody hearings.
The 1973 Roe Vs Wade failed to condsider the interests of fathers. Since Roe Vs Wade fathers have tried to have their rights realized by light of the 9th and 14th amendment.
In a New York case in March '88 Mr.Streicher charged that his wife used her pregnancy to threaten abortion if he didn't destroy a prenuptiual contract.
There are many documented cases in which the fathers' desire to have his baby should have outwieghed the mother's desire for an abortion.
In an April '88 case it was discovered that the only reason she wanted an abortion is so she could look good in a bathing suit!
In '89 the Webster Case gave the states most of the descison making. This is where the battle for Spousal Notification is raging, stating that a woman must inform her husband of her intent to get an abortion.
A national poll conducted by the Boston Globe in March '89 found that 72% believe an abortion should be illegal if the father wants the baby. In a nationwide survey of 18-55 year old girls, 90% said that a husband has the right to know and 56% said he has the right to forbid it. 280 college students were asked about "acceptable" reasons for an abortion and only 25% said that a woman has the right to an abortion if her husband disapproved. In an interview of 400 men in an abortion waiting room said that 70% of the relationships failed within 1 month after the abortion.
Counselors now recognize that post abortion stress is felt by fathers as well as mothers. Loss, sorrow, depression, and anger last many years. For the man the experiance yields the demise of unmarried relationships are great. Alcoholism, suicide, depression, mental illness, physical illnesses,rage, increased domestic violence, and premature death. Physical illnesses of a psychomatic nature found in men are high blood pressure, ulcers, migraines, and impotence. These usually occur as a delayed reaction, about 5 years after the abortion.
Psychologist Vincent Rue urges men to stop being Silent Suffers. Stop pretending that the abortion doesn't affect them:
1) acknowlegde your feelings
2) Allow yourself to grieve over the death of your child.
4) Forgive others and yourself.
To assist fathers of aborted children through PAS, the support group "Dads For
Life" was created. This organization also aims to educate the public concerning
father's rights. Dads For Life is interested in collecting personal stories of
men who have suffered from abortion grief. They are also working to promote
legislation that protects both father's and unborn baby's rights. To receive
their newsletter or to ask about telephone counseling write to
Dads For Life
908 Thorn St
Princeton, WV 24740
Taken from the Tract Hidden Tears by Linda Pierce
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