A post in another thread got me thinking about this issue (and if its already been beat up in another thread, a mod should delete this thread). My query: If you support abortion using the logic that a woman has the right to do what she wants to her body, can you then logically be opposed to prostitution? I don't think so, but I'd be interested in hearing from those that support abortion. I think one could be on safer ground, from a logic standpoint, opposing abortion but in favor of prostitution. One could oppose abortion, not because one is against a woman having the right to do what she wants to her body, but rather because abortion kills another living person. Whereas, prostitution does not kill or even harm (arguably) any one other than the woman choosing to engage in that activity. Your thoughts?

In the most recent Gallup poll, 82% of Americans,including long-time pro-choicer Barabara Bush ,is in favor of a woman's right to choose in at least some instances, such as rape,incest, or when the mother's life was in danger. 28% I believe, was supported choice in any circumstance, and 17% was against allowing a woman to have an abortion in any situation. I don't think I have seen a poll lately on who is in favor of prostitution. If you look at the sports pages of any big-city newspaper ,however, you'll see ads for something called escort services all over it. The same is true for the yellow pages.Seems like something liberal and conservatives alike agree on...they love their "legalized" prostitution. One thing's for certain, whether you like 'em or you don't, both abortion and prostitution are here to stay. The reason...most people want it that way.

About Poll

Should prostitution be legal? Yes - legal and unrestricted. (483) 12% Yes - but regulated (like AIDS testing) and perhaps some restrictions (like where it can be done). (2301) 60% No - no legalization under any circumstances. (918) 24% I don't know / don't care. (113) 2% Total Votes: 3818

So if I read the numbers corrrectly, in the poll referenced by HHSDad, 72% favor prostitution in some form. According to math's source, 82% favor abortion in some form. Those numbers are pretty similar.

Great question, LN. I believe that it is illogical to argue for abortion rights, which arguably takes an innocent life, on the basis of a "woman's right to choose what to do with her own body," on the one hand, and argue against legalized prostitution on the other.

So if I read the numbers corrrectly, in the poll referenced by HHSDad, 72% favor prostitution in some form. According to math's source, 82% favor abortion in some form. Those numbers are pretty similar.

 

 

I guess we are all going to hell quicker than I can fix up a mess of Hamburger Helper.

Great question, LN. I believe that it is illogical to argue for abortion rights, which arguably takes an innocent life, on the basis of a "woman's right to choose what to do with her own body," on the one hand, and argue against legalized prostitution on the other.

 

Even if you view the argument as illogical, it is the foundation of pro choice.

Just curious, who are here would be in favor of legalizing prostitution, with necessary regulations? Be honest.

Just curious, who are here would be in favor of legalizing prostitution, with necessary regulations? Be honest.

I favor legalized prostitution with minimal regulation. Let the buyer beware.

Even if you view the argument as illogical, it is the foundation of pro choice.

And that is my point. Some of the same people who argue that women should have the unfettered right to abort an innocent life because it is part of their own body will argue in favor of mandatory seatbelt laws and against motorcycle helmets. Logic has nothing to do with these positions.

Just curious, who are here would be in favor of legalizing prostitution, with necessary regulations? Be honest.

 

I would.

And that is my point. Some of the same people who argue that women should have the unfettered right to abort an innocent life because it is part of their own body will argue in favor of mandatory seatbelt laws and against motorcycle helmets. Logic has nothing to do with these positions.

 

 

 

Absolutely not in favor. Seat belts and helmets are a good idea, yes, but legislated...no way!!!

And that is my point. Some of the same people who argue that women should have the unfettered right to abort an innocent life because it is part of their own body will argue in favor of mandatory seatbelt laws and against motorcycle helmets. Logic has nothing to do with these positions.

 

I don't disagree with anything you have said here. Let me ask you (all of P/R really), is it logical to argue that abortion cannot be the choice of the mother, because life occurs upon conception, except in cases of rape, incest, or harm to the mother? Doesn't the baby in those exceptions still have the right to be born?

 

I touched on this in a previous thread, probably the same thread where LN got the idea for this one. This is my one stumbling block between pro-choice and pro-life. To me, if it is a life and has a right to be born, then it is and has that same right under all circumstances. Does that mean I would support making abortion illegal, then, if there were no exceptions? I still have trouble with that because I sometimes think that in the situation of rape, it should be the woman's choice. Too, let's say that we do ban abortion in all cases except for those previously stated. There are still several problems. First of all, there might be a greater number of false rapes reported. Secondly, there are many women who are raped that will not report the rape, though would still choose to have the abortion. I am not saying that they shouldn't report the rape, just that they choose not to...and I, assume, then would likely be forced into having the child. Let's not even get into the problems with illegal abortions that will occur anyway.

 

I know that what I have posted seems like rambling...but that is the constant battle in my mind over abortion. Deep down I want to be pro-life. But...my head and my heart cannot come to an agreement over it.

I don't disagree with anything you have said here. Let me ask you (all of P/R really), is it logical to argue that abortion cannot be the choice of the mother, because life occurs upon conception, except in cases of rape, incest, or harm to the mother? Doesn't the baby in those exceptions still have the right to be born?

 

I touched on this in a previous thread, probably the same thread where LN got the idea for this one. This is my one stumbling block between pro-choice and pro-life. To me, if it is a life and has a right to be born, then it is and has that same right under all circumstances. Does that mean I would be for banning abortion, then, if there were no exceptions? I still have trouble with that because I sometimes think that in the situation of rape, it should be the woman's choice. Too, let's say that we do ban abortion in all cases except for those previously stated. There are still several problems. First of all, there might be a greater number of false rapes reported. Secondly, there are many women who are raped that will not report the rape, though would still choose to have the abortion. I am not saying that they shouldn't report the rape, just that they choose not to...and I, assume, then would likely be forced into having the child. Let's not even get into the problems with illegal abortions that will occur.

 

I know that what I have posted seems like rambling...but that is the constant battle in my mind over abortion. Deep down I want to be pro-life. But...my head and my heart cannot come to an agreement over it.

A few things:

 

1. I personally believe that all children have the right to be born, and that no parent should be forced to keep their children. I am Pro-Life.

 

2. There may be problems with illegal abortions, but look on the other side- without abortion as a legal option, do you think some people would be discouraged from partaking in activities that have consequences that include having a baby? Very possible that certain people who can not afford a child would not have one.

 

3. So do you find abortion wrong when it is two people having consensual sex, then deciding to murder a baby? But you will continue to support Pro-Choice politicians because you are unsure on cases such as rape and incest?

 

Personally, the biggest problem to me is that the word "abortion" means nothing any more. "Terminating a pregnancy" is a euphenism for "infanticide" or "killing an infant" I was reading somewhere about a book that if you can engineer language, you can engineer society, and this is a great example.

A few things:

 

1. I personally believe that all children have the right to be born, and that no parent should be forced to keep their children. I am Pro-Life.

 

2. There may be problems with illegal abortions, but look on the other side- without abortion as a legal option, do you think some people would be discouraged from partaking in activities that have consequences that include having a baby? Very possible that certain people who can not afford a child would not have one.

 

3. So do you find abortion wrong when it is two people having consensual sex, then deciding to murder a baby? But you will continue to support Pro-Choice politicians because you are unsure on cases such as rape and incest?

 

Personally, the biggest problem to me is that the word "abortion" means nothing any more. "Terminating a pregnancy" is a euphenism for "infanticide" or "killing an infant" I was reading somewhere about a book that if you can engineer language, you can engineer society, and this is a great example.

 

So you support making abortion illegal under any circumstances, right?

 

I admit to it being an ugly battle within myself. The logical side of me states clearly that you can't have it both ways. If abortion is murder, then it is murder in all cases. The emotional side of me feels for the woman that has been a victim of rape and is pregnant as a result.

 

Refering back to your second point, I agree that if abortion is illegal that many would take better measures against unwanted pregnancy. I do NOT think it will affect the number of people having children that cannot afford them.

 

On your third point, because of my dilemma I do not usually consider stance on abortion as one of my main reasons in supporting a candidate. Maybe one day I will be able to find peace between the logically and emotional sides of myself and then it would make more of a difference.

 

I truly appreciate your willingness to discuss the issue with me.