No Voice, No Choice

            Currently in our society men are subject to a disparity in reproductive rights. Woman enjoy many choices regarding reproduction, namely birth control pills, and abortion. When abortion is not allowed or unwanted, woman still have the choice of being able to give the child up for adoption. Thanks to these options a woman is never forced into motherhood. If a woman becomes a mother it is entirely her choice since she has the choice to relinquish her role as a mother, and upon doing so is relieved of all parental obligations to the child.

            For men the situation is quite different. Parenthood is achieved by two people, a man, and a woman. Woman have made it abundantly clear in regards to abortion that it is "her body, her choice", reserving her right to terminate the pregnancy with no input or recourse from the father of the child. But in the event a woman decides to keep the child, the man is obligated by law to pay to support the child, whether he has consented to becoming a father or not. If a woman does not want to be a mother our society does not force her. If a man does not want to become a father our legal system and society forces this man into this role with no alternative course of action available to him. This is incredibly damaging for men as unexpected fatherhood and its obligations completely disrupt or even destroy a man's life. Being forced to pay child support leaves many men in untenable financial situations, unable to pay debts, bills, or invest to improve their standing in life because of unexpected financial obligations that they have no choice but to pay. Failure to pay will result in being thrown in jail and being labeled a deadbeat father. Whether she decides to keep the child or not a man is having his role decided by the woman. He is a father if she decides to keep the child, and not if she decides to give the child up.

            This is clearly unfair to allow a woman to relieve herself of any and all responsibilities to her child while at the same time fully expecting men to shoulder their responsibilities as a father regardless of choice. This is also unfair to the child because they now are being brought into this world with at least one reluctant parent. Children would be better off having two voluntary parents and the benefits that come of having two loving parents.

            To rectify this legal imbalance men should have the right to give up all legal rights and responsibilities to a child if he does not consent to being a father. It is unjust to force a person into parenthood. Deciding to be a parent is a commitment of time and resources. Before a couple has children, they should be required to sign a contract detailing their wish to commit to parenthood. Should the couple separate, a planned course of action on how they will share custody of their children and take part in their development should also be included in this contract.

In the interest of equality, give men the same right that woman benefit from, the choice to consent to parenthood. Why are men not being allowed a voice? Why are men being denied a choice?