Does a man have any rights

I saw a piece last week on CNN about a guy who had gone to court seeking not to be compelled to support a child he'd had with his now obviously ex girlfriend. His defence? He'd discussed the issue of kids with her and ostensibly made it clear that he didn't wish to have any at the time. Somehow, the chic got paged and had a baby. Apparently, he feels that the woman, having the right to do whatever she wants with her body, can choose to keep or terminate a pregrancy and the man with whom conception was achieved has to live with this decision. This particular guy probably doesn't want anything to do with his child, emotionally or financially, but the point is still moot.

Entrapment by pregnanancy [real or feigned] is something women have done in the past, and surprisingly, continue to do. What if a couple conceives and the woman wants to terminate the pregnancy while the man doesn't? [Humour me] Does the guy have any say in the matter or is he only good for providing the ingredients. Given, it's the woman who'll carry the baby to term and do most of the caring for the child, but the father will be expected to provide for the child. A situation where men don't take up their responsibilities shouldn't be encouraged, and it is in matters such as this that I envy our ancestral societies of days gone by. Where kids belonged to the greater society and were cared for as such. [at least if my primary G.H.C teacher is to be believed]

I don't think this guy will win though. There's a whole micro-economy based on child support payments. That can't be allowed to collapse. The thought of men being 'free' from any responsibility after the soon-thereafter-to-be-mandatory-before-sex disclaimer "I don't want a kid" will also make the judge think twice before upholding the guy's point of view.

P.S: A friend of mine narrated a tale about this paranoid guy who follows the following regime, without exception.

1. Before sex, take a HIV test. [He'll provide the test kit]
2. During sex, use a condom.
3. After sex, take those morning-after type pills.

For him, it's a case of once bitten thrice shy.



Disclaimer: This is not a response to a couple of YAMPs [Yet Another Male-bashing Post] that Shiroh has been engaging in.