What about the dad?

Since Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement plans, Roe v. Wade is receiving more attention. The 1973 decision has resulted in countless articles, books, and judicial decisions over the years, with one glaring omission: What about us guys? Where is the concern about the rights of men? If there is any it sure has slipped by me!

Of course, a lot of things slip by me now that I’m an old man, but it does concern me that there seems to be much attention drawn to men’s obligations concerning child support, parental responsibility, etc., after a child is born, but scant regard for a father’s rights before a child is born. It’s as if the unborn fetus belongs solely to the mother, and who the hell cares about Dad?

Does “pro-choice” only mean the choice of the expectant mother? Does the concept of “pro-life” consider how Dad feels about it all?

I wonder, has any father of a terminated fetus ever brought suit against the mother for having an abortion without consulting him? Interesting question which deserves addressing. Even more troubling, in addition to the obvious unfairness of the situation is the apparent lack of public discourse about the matter. Dad is being ignored regarding his unborn son or daughter.

In the animal world, parthenogenesis, a process in which female eggs self-fertilize, has been documented in some sharks—also stick insects, aphids, water fleas, and scorpions— not humans. With us people it takes two to tango. Since we enjoy the dance it seems we should have equal rights and obligations both before and after birth. We take Dad to court when he doesn’t pay child support, but, before his child is born, Dad doesn’t seem to matter. I wonder why.

JOHN C. JARBOE North Little Rock