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FreeState

(10,572 posts)
Wed Oct 18, 2017, 08:52 PM Oct 2017

Came to a realization that my opinions on abortion were based somewhat on false information

I recently came to a realization that my opinions on abortion were based somewhat on false information.

I have been and remain pro-choice since my early 20s.

Growing up Mormon, with GOP parents, in a conservative area in the 1980's I somehow had in my mind the following assumed facts:

1) Abortion was always looked down upon in history by all societies.
2) Prior to Roe V Wade, there had been a new thinking that brought the change.
3) Abortion in America had never been looked at acceptable.

I don't know how I came to just assume these falsehoods, I know we were not taught the history in school (it had been less than 20 years since the ruling).

Anyone know of a good source for more information that is history based? I have read a few studies online regarding the history but feel there is a lot more to know.

As an aside I came across this when I was looking up some information on Joseph Smith and no DNA children outside of his first legal wife.

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Came to a realization that my opinions on abortion were based somewhat on false information (Original Post) FreeState Oct 2017 OP
Google .............. never stop looking for facts, either for or against Angry Dragon Oct 2017 #1
Agree with that 100% FreeState Oct 2017 #3
In the Iron Curtain countries, I believe abortion was not looked down upon. fierywoman Oct 2017 #2
Its interesting FreeState Oct 2017 #4
I salute you from my heart, as a woman, for reconsidering your point of view! fierywoman Oct 2017 #5
I'm wondering how one forms an opinion based on historical opinions. JayhawkSD Oct 2017 #6
I would hope one looked at all sources of information FreeState Oct 2017 #7

FreeState

(10,572 posts)
3. Agree with that 100%
Wed Oct 18, 2017, 10:38 PM
Oct 2017

Always fact check, even your own assumptions. It just amazes me it took so long to recognize.

fierywoman

(7,683 posts)
2. In the Iron Curtain countries, I believe abortion was not looked down upon.
Wed Oct 18, 2017, 09:16 PM
Oct 2017

I was raised by a mother who told me about the wire hanger deaths of neighbors in her Yorkville (Manhatten) neighborhood. Most cultures who know how to use herbs know what to take to induce an abortion.
Bottom line: for whatever reason (often difficult), sometimes women will seek to abort an unwanted or dangerous pregnancy. The issue is the laws of the culture as to whether the women will be able to have safe abortions or not.

FreeState

(10,572 posts)
4. Its interesting
Wed Oct 18, 2017, 10:42 PM
Oct 2017

From what I’ve found in the United States it depended on who selltled the area. British areas allowed abortion up until the quickening.

I’ve read a lot of Mormon history and always wondered why there wasn’t much mention or outrage that one of Joseph Smiths closest friends was a known abortion doctor. I didn’t realize it was morally acceptable at that point - which is why not much was mentioned. Or that’s my assessment so far. I’m almost positive he used his friends services.

 

JayhawkSD

(3,163 posts)
6. I'm wondering how one forms an opinion based on historical opinions.
Thu Oct 19, 2017, 01:06 AM
Oct 2017
"1) Abortion was always looked down upon in history by all societies.
 3) Abortion in America had never been looked at acceptable."


That "abortion has been historically frowned upon" seems a poor reason to be pro-choice. Why does historical thinking inform one's opinion on moral issues? Why, in fact, does someone else's thinking determine my thinking, be it historical or contemporary?

It was at one time considered acceptable to punish a thief by cutting off his hand. That does not in any way lead to my opinion today that such a thing is cruel and inhumane punishment. I am neither in favor of nor opposed to cutting off hands based on the thinking of other people. My thinking on it is based on my own sense of right and wrong.

FreeState

(10,572 posts)
7. I would hope one looked at all sources of information
Thu Oct 19, 2017, 06:41 PM
Oct 2017

I would hope one looked at all sources of information. I'm not basing my opinion on abortion on either, which I hoped I made clear by saying I am and remain pro-choice. THe history I discovered had nothing to do with my long-standing political belief.

That being said I think its wise to not pigeon hole people into basing their beliefs off of what you feel is worthy or acceptable. Not everyone is from your background. Growing up for over 20 years in a cult I was told what underwear to wear, what food to eat, who and at what age I could date and the list goes on and on. My structure of every day was controlled by the cult. When someone leaves a cult it's like peeling an onion, it takes years and years before you drop all your former beliefs, if ever (be they subconscious or not).

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