Quote:
Originally Posted by flylock shox
You're right: I'm changing the initial situation away from one of rape.
The situation I've posed is more akin to having protected sex for sexual gratification - the most common reason underlying most incidents of sex.
What this version asks is: if you have willingly engaged in an activity for which there is a certainty (or high likelihood) of immediate gratification (sexual pleasure/monetary reward), with the knowledge that with it comes a low likelihood of serious long-term consequences (impregnation/violinist-attachment), are you responsible for those long-term consequences in the unlikely event that they result?
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Yes. There are many other situations where people are expected to accept responsibility despite the low probability of the least desirable outcome occurring.
I can think of many activities (certain adrenaline sports for example) in which there are often liability waivers that you have to sign. ie. If something happens its your responsibility.
I can think of people choosing to travel to potentially dangerous areas... they do so for personal gratification but some kind of reimbursement isn't expected if they get mugged or something.
Heck something as simple as choosing to drink and smoke may satisfy immediate personal gratification.... but if you develop chronic illness don't expect to be reimbursed from cigarette and liquor companies.
In my opinion its no different with sex. People are deciding to engage in an activity with potentially undesirable consequences. People are aware of that and they should not be able to shift responsibility from themselves to the fetus just because they made a gamble they weren't ready for. Once again, I understand unique circumstances of rape etc. But lets face it... these days a lot of abortions are the result of careless planning and a disregard for personal responsibility. I'll probably get a lot of flack for this.... but so be it.