This is a tougher question than it appears on the surface.
The
obvious answer would be "Yes", the father had an equal share in
producing the baby and should have an equal share in the decision to
kill it. Just debating the whole issue kind of makes me sick.
But,
I think this question goes much deeper. The decision on whether or not
to consult with the father would seem to depend on the status of the
relationship between the mother and the father. If the father had just
skipped town, he might say "Sure, go ahead and kill it.", with no real
concern for what happened. This could possibly persuade the mother to do
something totally against her will.
How about the father who is
an alcoholic and his vision of reality is never clear. Do we think that
he would be in any position to give the mother any kind of worthwhile
direction or advice?
On the other hand, if the father is totally
against killing the baby and the mother proceeds with an abortion, she
has no one to blame but herself. If the husband agreed, then he is fair
game for the rest of their married or partner lives. She always has the
right to say - "I only did it because you wanted me to". Could this
situlation totally destroy a marriage?
This whole dilemma could be
prevented if we could only realize that children are no more our
"property" than are our wives or our husbands. Two people agreeing on
killing a baby does not make it the right thing to do. Fathers need to
stand up for the right thing, even when their wives or significant
others won't.
Most fathers probably have no real idea of what
actually goes on during the procedure and probably should be required to
watch an abortion prior to signing any type of consent or agreeing to
it.
I have known several single parent Dads who have done an
excellent job in rearing their children and just wouldn't have things
any other way.
Fathers are expected to provide the proper care for
their children and are looked down upon when they don't. When there is a
problem with children, it is usually Dad who must get involved in the
situation and do his best to settle it.
If there is serious
consideration of killing a baby, then why shouldn't Dad have his say?
The only question here is - Who will make the determination as to
whether or not the father is even qualified to give an opinion?
I am answering the question on the "Yes" side for the simple reason that there is no "Sometimes" answer available.
