What Is The Theme Of Abortion And Abortion

While still a common procedure in the 1930’s, men at this time viewed and handled abortions in a care free manner and hardly spoke on it as it was looked upon as unimportant due to their lack of knowledge and awareness of the repercussions. In Hills like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway, the way in how a man perceived pregnancy and abortion and decided to handle the process in the 1930’s is brought to light. But in recent years with the increase in sensitivity and negative stigma attached to abortion, it has been taken more seriously by men today since they’ve come to understand the meaning of the procedure and its impact on their lives.

When the reader is introduced to the male character “The American” he is depicted as a smart, well-traveled, and independent man. Throughout the story the reader is able to determine his view on abortion through his language, demeanor, and actions. He nonchalantly states to his female counterpart, “It’s really an awfully simple operation” and that “It’s not really an operation at all.”(Hemingway 1). The American is truly determined to achieve his goal of convincing the girl to go through with the operation. He is persistently trying to prove that it is the best choice to make. The American’s male bravado is so large that he is disengaged with anything that the girl has to say. The American can be viewed as selfish and inconsiderate as he states, “It’s the only thing that’s made us unhappy.”(Hemingway 1). He clearly isn’t in favor of having a child and views it as a large burden and interference rather than a gift and blessing. He is happy with it just being only the two of them and he doesn’t want to share her with anyone no matter the situation. His lack of emotions and understan...

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...c to the issue. If a pregnancy is followed through there is a lot of positive emotions that comes along with that special moment of bringing a child into the world. But when it goes the other way with abortion and taking a life away, a man can suffer a large amount of grief along with guilt or a sense of regret. This stress could cause issues that are detrimental to person’s health physical, emotionally, and psychologically. Each experience of grief for a man is unique and can vary from one man to another.

As America and its society has progressed, so has the views on abortion from the male perspective. With being persistently informed and aware of the whole process and its effect on our country throughout the years, men have been able to become more understanding and conscious of what their choices mean when it comes to dealing with abortion.