: What should the socialist view on abortion be?Should socialists have a certain view in order to be 'qualified' as socialists?
: Freedom is a term that can and has been used to justify the most horrible crimes and abuses in history.
You bet. Russian and European history this century atest to two of the most perverse meanings from the 'freedom' spoken of by generations of soviet leaders to the very poignant 'work is freedom' sign over the concentration camp (I forget which one). Most twisted.
: It's a hard question to solve, because it depends on the definition of when the fetus becomes human,
Precisely - or another view, when it can survive without intervention (ie breathe, function without machine). That view is to discount technology driving the date back constantly. Who'd make that judgement?
soul: How are we to know? We don't even agree on whether the soul exists. (I say yes, but RD and otehrs, I think, say no.) This is why the problem is so complicated.
You said it with "how are we to know?". As with religion everyone is really an agnostic ("Not knowing") on these matters, although its prudent to suggest that the burden of proof lies with the proponent/believer rather than in proving its not there. As with any theory - If I were to suggest some outlandish physics theory then I should demonstrate it, not sit back and claim victory until proven wrong.
So what do you think? Properly study the fetus so one can make a date range at which the fetus is considered consciously living / able to exit the womb and live without machines? Youre a scientist in training. The detail in procedure (consultations etc) are important too, but should they be legislated - that simply brings about back street abortionists. Why even a reasoned scientifically based law could still see a black market come about.
: Maybe we should place a high threshold for legalizing abortion; e.g. abortion in the first 3 months can be legal if 75% of Americans want it to be.
And to hell with the other millions of adults and their preferences? That doesnt sound right.
Interesting subject NJ, and you kept it in context!
