While the enduring debate around abortion demonstrates how morally complex the issue is, the character of the American legal system has also established its legal complexity.

Whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, things can be really darn complicated.

Two years ago, Ryan Magers and his unidentified girlfriend could not come to an agreement about her pregnancy.

he begged her not to get an abortion, but she stood by her decision and went to the Alabama Women's Center for the appropriate resources.

Now, Magers is suing the women's center, its employees, and the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the medication used.

Not only that, but the probate judge has also empowered Magers to represent Baby Roe's estate, which means he can sue on Baby Roe's behalf.

So while Magers' girlfriend has a constitutional right to seek an abortion, a clinic that helps her do this does not necessarily have the same protection.

Magers said he is pursuing this lawsuit on behalf of "men who actually want to have their baby."

He also expressed his belief that as soon as conception occurs, it results in a baby that deserves to live.

As he said, "Even though there's nothing I can do for the situation I was in, there is something I can do for the future situations for other people."

But while the Alabama state government may agree with him, the question of when personhood begins isn't quite that simple.

the complexes of nerve cells that are necessary for a baby to have consciousness don't develop until at least the third trimester of pregnancy.

And how much consciousness one has after that is still not entirely known.

Many people argue that it's her body and she has the lawful right to get the abortion. Others note that the father should be given a say in the matter.

Helms believes both that this case could hold legal precedent if Magers wins and that it could go all the way to the state supreme court.

And if the result is that other prospective fathers can sue on behalf of aborted fetuses, this can certainly undermine the feasibility of operating an abortion clinic in Alabama



What are your thoughts?

I think it should always be the woman's choice, it's her body.

I agree that it should be the woman's choice.

You shouldn't have to have your husband/boyfriend/significant other's approval to alter your physical body.

This is a touchy subject so I'm going to stay away mostly.  However:

It is a woman's body.  But looking at it both ways - it takes 2 people to make a baby. 

I understand it must be hard for the man involved, but yes it definitly is the woman's choice. Being pregnant and having a baby is one of the most overwhelming experiences a woman can have and if she isn't up to it, she should have the choice to opt out. I am not saying it isn't life changing for a man to have a baby aswell, but the impact it has on a woman is way heavier than to the man involved.