In this thread lowbrass mentioned
and I think that is a good summation of a general rule that underlies the pro-choice argument.
Put more succintly, “it’s my body and I can do whatever I want with it”
I agree with the basic premise, and, moreover, I think it should apply to both men and women.
The question is, should there be exceptions, e.g. when it is in the interest of society?
For example, in the case of men, when war breaks out, many men would like to stay home, and not go to a hell-hole, watch their friends’ brains get blown up, and possibly die themselves, or come back as invalids.
But, with the draft, society says, you cannot do whatever you want, you do not have “the right to control your own destiny and not be forced to do something against your will”.
You will go to the hell-hole where war is taking place, against your will. You don’t have control of your body. You will have to use it as a weapon to kill people.
I personally think the draft is horrible, and either should be eliminated, or should include women as well, in order to stop it from discriminating against men.
But, if we do agree that at some points in the history of nations, they do need to institute the draft, then we are agreeing that at some points in history, society forces people to do stuff against their will. It is preventing people from exercising 100% control over their bodies.
If you do agree with the above, would you agree that there may be times in history when it is OK for society to force women to carry all their pregnancies to term? e.g. after a disaster decimates the population and a quick re-building of the population is needed.
The times we live in are not such times. But can you envision any times when this may be acceptable?
The reason I am bringing this up is because the “it’s my body and I can do whatever I want with it” argument is always brought up in the context of abortion,
and is considered inviolable.
But if we agree to this right, as unconditional and inviolable, then we should outlaw the draft.
If we agree to the draft, then we are admitting that it is not an inviolable right.