Should men have the right to opt out of parenthood?

Post Reply New Topic

I hope this does not get so heated it gets locked, but lets see.

I ran across a reddit post today of a 19 year old guy, and apparently, he got his girlfriend pregnant. Well, he does not want a kid yet but might in the future and his girlfriend decided she wanted to keep the pregnancy. Apparently she was ok with raising them herself and even offered to not go for child support...but he mentioned he'd certainly be willing to give some financial help but just doesn't think he can be a dad at this point. And they broke up because well she decided she will carry the pregnancy and be a mom and he does not want to be a parent at this point in his life.

But so many comments were saying he is the as*hole if he abondons the kid, but some people also act like women are as*holes if they get an abortion because they are not ready to be a mom yet and that is messed up, but it seems also messed up to force fatherhood on a man who is not willing to take care of a child. Like I am a childfree woman and my boyfriend also does not want children...I don't think fatherhood should be forced because that is simular to forcing motherhood on a woman who does not want it.

And like if he doesn't want to be a dad yet, would he even be a good dad for the child?

Yes.

It does happen, however, that some mothers legally refuse to acknowledge the paternity of their child, essentially saying the child has no father.  If the father knows this, he can challenge the decision in court, and agree to pay the child support; but if he does not, then he is not legally obligated to support the child in any way -- morally, yes; legally, no.

If the father does not know he has a child then he may receive a big surprise many years later.

Yes, but only if women have the same right via abortion in their state.

Parental rights have to be equal.

That's why it's so unfair when girls and women are forced to carry babies when the father is allowed to screw off.

After the baby's born either parent can legally walk.

The baby's right is the important thing and should be put first.

It's not a given but I'm glad you agree.

I wouldn't say men should have this right, but they should be entitled to openly discuss the situation with all involved, including the grandparents, but bear in mind that the woman will bear the brunt of the burden no matter what happens.

Even if they don't have the "right", many do it anyway.