Originally posted by ImaginaryReality1984
Yes and no basically depending on how you view it. You could argue that the developing fetus is a part of the mothers body as it grew from one of her eggs, or you could argue it's unique DNA means it isn't a part of her body. But i the end the mother has to support that fetus, it uses her liver, her kidneys, her endocrine system and all of the rest. I think someone should be allowed control over such things.
If the developing baby in her womb were a part of her body then there would be no need for an umbilical cord and placenta.
Originally posted by ImaginaryReality1984
When i say burden i simply mean the physical effects it has on the body. As for sex being all about reproduction you might want to check the animal kingdom a little more, especially primates. Sex seems to also be a bonding experience for primates, that's why we as humans, even in monogomous relationships continue to do it using protection. The chemical changes in the brain have very deep effects, especially if repeated over time.
Also the primary purpose of something is rather undermined as an argument when people use protection to try and stop it from happening don't you think?
I keep referring to this essay, as I have already addressed the majority of these issues more comprehensively there. It certainly addresses this topic in depth. Here is a relavant response from "The Pinnacle of Modern Human Tragedy", by M.F. Alexander aka mrphilosophias:
Excerpt from "The pinnacle of Modern Human Tragedy"
It is no secret that sexual intercourse causes pregnancy, and it should come as no surprise if life should be conceived as a result of this intimate act, in fact it cannot be denied that sexual reproduction, procreation, and conceiving are the primary, and sole, purpose for sexual intercourse. This is the purpose of life says the biologist and the evolutionist. Even the remarkable pleasure and bonding intimacy experienced during the act of sexual intercourse is biologically engineered by means of evolution to encourage and reinforce procreation, and to strengthen the bond between mates, but not primarily for bonding in and of itself, but rather to foster an environment most conducive to the well being of their progeny.
...
Sexuality is a physical expression of love, which is the selfless gift of self and our highest calling, this participation in sexual intimacy is intended to be complete, yet when you have sex with a hardened heart to the gift of love which is life, and you refuse the possibility of the mutual giving of self to give rise to new life, then you are denying the sanctity and solemnity of this sacred gift!
Pardoning this brief digression and returning again to the matter of the purpose of sexual intercourse, at least according to nature, it is clear that it is inextricably connected to reproduction, and continuation of species, and that pleasure and bonding are absolutely incredible processes which serve to reinforce that we will have sex to ensure procreation(propagation of genes), and to strengthen the intimate bond between mates to encourage the ideal environment for the developing Human Being: a stable loving environment with both parents to teach and learn male and female role models from, and siblings to play, learn, and grow with. Children provide parents with a unique opportunity to grow (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) in many ways which would otherwise be difficult, and bring laughter and joy to the family. The more obvious reason that it benefits parents to reproduce and raise children is additional hands to help with the necessary daily chores.
If this is the case then why are people having sex when they are not interested in reproduction, or even open to the possibility of life? Why hasn’t anyone clued these dissonant people into the reality that sexual intercourse and reproduction are intimately entwined? This question strikes at the very heart of the topic of abortion, and it strongly suggests that it is not a question awaiting an explanation from biology, ethics, or politics, but implies that the prevailing ideas propagated by society and artificial culture are to blame, and that we have allowed ourselves to be deceived!
It could not be plainer to see: Western civilization loves sex, and wants to have sex, and wants to be free to have sex whenever, however, and with whomever we desire without any regard for this power and responsibility which has been entrusted to us. This is a fundamental perversion of what sexuality is: that the pleasure-reward and bonding of sexuality is an ends in and of itself, which it is, but to have the pleasure-reward and at the same time not be open even to the possibility that anything like a living, breathing Being may come from it is a selfish deviation from the primary purpose of sex, is is a perversion of love itself!
When entertaining this idea that sex is a recreational activity with no meaning other than a shallow intimacy and fulfillment of carnal desire, and fleshly impulses, it is not an animal that you are acting as, for the other creatures obey the natural laws and biological imperatives! The primary purpose of sexuality is procreation, and the secondary purpose, which is an ends in and of itself as well, but not without openness to life and love, is bonding or intimacy and naturally, it is profoundly rewarding, but the purpose for this reward is not for the pleasure itself, it’s to ensure that we engage in sex often to reproduce, and the bonding is good in and of itself so long as it is in love, which is necessarily complete and open to life, but it is primarily to reinforce the behavior and strengthen the bonds between mates so as to foster an environment conducive to the birth, growth, development and care giving of progeny. This perspective on sexuality is a perspective that the world is in dire need of, as something as intangible as this idea about sexuality that Western culture instills upon us is demonstrably unnatural, maladaptive, and in fact as will also be demonstrated, deadly serious.
The primary purpose of eating food is for sustenance, but it tastes good, and it is intimately rewarding. The pleasure and reward mechanisms of eating food is, if the story ‘they’ tell us is true, good in and of itself, but only because it encourages and reinforces consumption of healthy nutritional sustenance. That food tastes good is a hard-wired ‘fail-safe’ mechanism to ensure that Human Beings would take the time necessary to eat often, as this is what the body requires, and it tastes good and is rewarding. It should be apparent how this parallels the primary and corollary functions and experiences of human sexuality. The example of food may prove to be a near perfect analogy from this biological perspective, as reproduction is as much a biological imperative as eating.
When it comes to food what is it called when someone seeks the secondary/corollary function/experience from eating, but at the same time is not open to the primary purpose of eating; in other words, how does on describe a glutton who lusts for the flavors and tastes, pleasure and experience of eating different foods, but at the same time refuses to receive sustenance? I’ll give you a hint, it is a disorder; this sort of person is demonstrated well by the poor soul who suffers from Bulimia, which is a dis-order, it is maladaptive, harmful, and it is clearly unnatural, or contrary to biological imperative which evolution allegedly devised. Is it now clear how having sex for please, and at the same time obstinately refusing to partake in the creation of life, which is the primary purpose of sex, could be understood as being dis-ordered, maladaptive, unnatural, and harmful? Take some time to try to rationalize, justify, excuse or exclude yourself, your world view, and maybe past choices you have made, and take some more time to tear apart the logic, but it is quite clear, and as concise as possible: modern Western Civilization has led to the prevalence of hedonism & unbridled Human sexuality for purposes of pleasure alone, as a result of perceived acceptability of this idea there have been 70 million aborted babies, which is a genocide of the most innocent humans alive; this is the pinnacle of modern Human tragedy, and it is on us to do something about it.
edit on 9-3-2011 by mrphilosophias because: (no reason given)
. Jokes, jokes. 
