Examining Men’s Role in the Dialogue on Abortion
At the March for Life UK Men’s Conference, Dr Anthony McCarthy, a prominent bioethicist, emphasized the often-overlooked role of men in the abortion debate. He argued that the silence and failure of men to engage have significantly contributed to the growth of abortion culture.
Dr McCarthy, founder of the Bios Centre, delivered a keynote address highlighting that societal discussions on abortion neglect the impact fathers can have both pre- and post-pregnancy.
He noted, “In the whole abortion debate, there’s a lot of silence. Men and abortion is an area that is even more silenced than many of the other areas connected with women and abortion, which are silenced.”
According to Dr McCarthy, the evolving abortion culture is not solely a result of political and legal changes, but also a reflection of a broader cultural shift that views sex independently from commitment, fatherhood, and familial responsibility.
Dr McCarthy stressed that families should be seen not just as private agreements but as crucial institutions that support the common good. He stated, “What is served is not only an individual woman and child, but a whole institution of which we are a part, the institution known as the family.”
He warned against modern society’s tendency to treat marriage and family life as mere contracts between autonomous individuals.
“One advantage of taking the family structure seriously is that as a model for society, it protects against the extremes of individualism and collectivism through its attention to the person,” he added.
Dr McCarthy criticized the contemporary cultural view that perceives pregnancy as a disruption rather than a natural consequence of love and commitment. He pointed out that political theories have often attempted to redefine the family, treating it as a problem rather than a fundamental societal unit.
He also challenged the modern concept of freedom that favors individual choice over relationships and moral obligations, drawing on the teachings of St Augustine to emphasize that true freedom requires self-control and virtue.
Dr McCarthy warned that the language framing abortion as a mere matter of choice can obscure the realities of pressure and coercion that many women face, often influenced by male silence. “The threat of abandonment or even coldness on the part of the father may be enough to change her mind,” he explained.
He further questioned the notion that abortion is necessary for gender equality, arguing that it assumes a male model of freedom detached from the repercussions of sexual activity.
Men, too, can experience emotional aftermaths such as grief and guilt following an abortion, though society frequently overlooks these feelings. Dr McCarthy described this as “disenfranchised grief,” highlighting the expectation for men to remain emotionally unaffected.
He criticized the narrow focus on autonomy in abortion debates, urging for a broader consideration of the implications for all involved—mothers, fathers, and unborn children. “Nothing could be more patronising to both men and women than to suggest that the most important thing about the abortion decision is autonomy and not what that decision truly involves,” he remarked.
John Deighan, chief executive of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, also spoke at the conference, emphasizing the critical role fathers play in nurturing children to resist cultural messages that undermine human dignity.
Deighan stressed the need for fathers to be credible witnesses in their homes, beyond merely repeating moral rules, and encouraged teaching children about human dignity and protecting their innocence.
He reiterated that the pro-life movement is not just a political endeavor but a spiritual battle, urging fathers to cultivate a robust spiritual life and model integrity within their families.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
