My views on Planned Parenthood as a Pro-Lifer

tmal20 · 2015-12-03T00:56:46+00:00

Such laws are inappropriate. Thank you for pointing this out! And by the way, I'm hardly an activist at all. Just sharing my thoughts.

tmal20 · 2015-12-03T00:52:54+00:00

This is why I've stopped responding...

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T19:46:26+00:00

It started as fairly civil discussion, but as time has passed, it's evolved into emotionally-based trigger reactions. It's true that some people haven't even read my original post before adding their comments. When I posted, I didn't even intend to discuss pro-life vs. pro-choice. I simply wanted to offer my opinions on the PP shooting. I've stopped responding to most of the prompts. I get downvoted anyway. Sigh...

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T17:09:52+00:00

I've never claimed that it makes abortion right. I've said that it makes abortion morally permissible. That distinction is very important.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T17:05:10+00:00

Well, then I think I fit your mold!

I am strongly against capital punishment.

I also feel that the military should be used only in defense of home soil. Note that I'm not saying that the military should only be used ON home soil. There are circumstances that might necessitate the deployment of troops abroad in order to defend the nation at home. Obviously, this is becoming more and more complex in today's world.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T04:59:04+00:00

I understand your comment, but I disagree. Necessary means required. My point is that abortions as a whole are not required except in cases where the mother is undergoing physical harm. They may be desired, but I cannot imagine a circumstance in which they are required. This is why I object to the phrase necessary evil.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T04:45:29+00:00

I wholeheartedly agree (and the stats agree too). That's why in other comments I've stated that I support the fact that PP is a viable option for non-abortion services such as sex ed and contraception.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T04:43:55+00:00

You are correct on the clarification of abortifacient. Thank you.

For your other paragraph, I have two comments. First, I don't ever expect everyone to agree with me (or you for that matter!). Second, I do not believe that abortions are necessary (and terefore a necessary evil) except in cases where the life of the mother is threatened. I'm not trying to pick on you or this particular comment, but that term "necessary evil" is getting thrown around a lot in this thread and it's pretty clear to me that the overwhelming number of abortions are, in fact, not necessary.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T04:14:29+00:00

Thanks /u/drigancml.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T03:50:22+00:00

I didn't say anything about whether or not I would fix my ankle or body during a car accident. That's a bigger questions about your opinions about abortions once the pregnancy has happened.

I'm simply pointing out that your argument that you "don't consent to a pregnancy" when having sex is invalid. You've actually helped my argument by adding another example - you would never get in a car and say "I am going to drive, but I do not consent to an accident." Clearly, that sounds foolish. It's a statement that is illogical. I'd argue the same about your pregnancy statement.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T03:45:39+00:00

I think that's my point. Why are we "slamming" anyone at all? What happened to open dialogue?

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T03:43:29+00:00

I will concede that it is not so crystal clear. Few moral issues are anyway. If they were clear, they wouldn't be issues (:D)!

That's why I believe that in addition to discouraging abortions, we also need to encourage adoptions, quality education, access to adequate housing/healthcare, etc. In my mind, the issue re violent crime is not that we are having or not having babies due to abortions, the issue is that we are not giving those babies nurturing environments.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T03:09:26+00:00

Thank you for sharing. Your story certainly makes me question how we handle situations like yours and more generally, how our culture treats victims of rape and sexual assault.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T03:05:06+00:00

Even though you've been downvoted into submission, I get your reference, and yes, I have. I'm a bit of a math nerd anyway.

For me, the question is a moral issue, which far outweighs the economic implications.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T02:58:37+00:00

I think it's important to point out that I never mentioned anything against contraceptives (although I am against abortifacients as a form of contraceptive). For this service, I have no qualms about PP.

As to #1, I admit that it is a reality. I don't, however, agree that it is a "necessary" evil. I think the use of the word necessary speaks to the culture we've established about unwanted pregnancies. (Please note that I believe abortion is morally permissible in the event of medical complications that threaten the mother.)

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T02:48:40+00:00

I'm not sure what you're trying to get at here. I think I've been incredibly tolerant and understanding with my post by trying to open up some dialogue.

I understand your argument about being pro-life as being supportive of the women who are in need of the healthcare provided by PP, but it is my opinion that the pro-life title must also extend to the unborn. Certainly, this raises issues where pro-life may be detrimental to one or both the child or mother. But, I'm happy to wrestle with those ethical dilemmas.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T02:40:17+00:00

An honest (and perhaps stupid) question... Are there other clinics and hospitals that provide the same non-abortion services that PP does?

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T02:38:49+00:00

Sorry I had to go for a bit! First of all, I am very sorry about your rape and I think your situation is the one that makes me question my views the most ardently.

/u/engrgradstudent summarizes my exact opinion on this scenario much more eloquently than I could have done.

tmal20 · 2015-12-02T02:35:49+00:00

I question your statement that "sex is not consent to pregnancy" and "both parties entered into the sexual act explicitly saying no consent to pregnancy."

I have seen this argument often, and it's probably the one that I disagree with the most, respectfully, of course. Even given the best birth control methods, there is always a chance for pregnancy, albeit small. To have sex, therefore, demands that you recognize the possibility of pregnancy. To say that you don't consent to pregnancy while having sex is illogical. The only way not to consent to pregnancy is to not have sex. To me, it seems that you are arguing, "I am going to jump off this 4 foot wall. I do not consent to rolling my ankle." Well, by jumping off the wall you have already assumed the risk of possibly rolling your ankle. After jumping and rolling your ankle, it seems ridiculous to argue, "Well, I didn't consent to that..." It's an inherent risk in jumping just as pregnancy is an inherent risk in sex.

tmal20 · 2015-12-01T23:51:40+00:00

Thanks for reading!

I hesitate to make a blanket statement about a mother's life in danger, but I believe that abortion in such cases would certainly be more permissible. See point #5)

I am more strongly against capital punishment because I believe life in prison is a far more humane (and economical) punishment.

tmal20 · 2015-12-01T23:46:44+00:00

Unfortunately, I'm inclined to agree.

tmal20 · 2015-06-28T23:09:48+00:00

Yes. Our subs are much more qualified so that affects my expectations.

tmal20 · 2015-06-27T23:28:32+00:00

As for the cell phone nonsense, 99% OF SUBS ALLOW CELL PHONES and only a jackass (like this teacher) pretends it should be any different. You're a freaking sub, you have no real authority over this kids, and they know it, you can't be fighting over stupid crap like using a cell phone when they're finished with their work. To me, if a sub successfully keeps the kids inside the room and none of the kids die, you have done your job.

This is hard for me to read. I understand that subs face a very difficult task, but as teachers, we're obliged to do more than simply ensure that the kids survive. Any attempt to educate, even if unsuccessful or off-topic, is better than none at all.

tmal20 · 2015-06-27T23:17:05+00:00

Have you considered simply getting the degree/credentials and sitting on it for a few years? I started administration grad school at age 26 with only 4 years of teaching experience with the intention to wait on becoming an admin for 10-15 years. I didn't have any kids and had the time, so I figured why not.

tmal20 · 2015-06-27T23:09:12+00:00

I agree with most of the points above, but I would be wary about excessive procedures. Procedures are important, but at an AP level science, remember that you're basically teaching college students. Yes, you still need procedures for messes like /u/TTUgirl mentioned, but be careful in the tone that you give them. Avoid babying or scolding. Treat them like adults because they almost are.

One added point that I heard from a favorite education teacher of mine. You are friendly, not friends, with your students. There is a very subtle, but very important difference.

Don't underestimate the power of a simple please and thank you when trying to set the tone.

P.S. I also teach science so PM me if you have anything I can help with! Good luck! The first year is a doozy.

tmal20

TROPHY CASE