Sweden Is Considering Legalizing 'Male Abortions' And Swedes Are Not Happy

Sweden is one of the most accepting countries in the world when it comes to abortion. A recent poll showed 84 percent of Swedish residents support a woman's right to have an abortion -- aka, the ability to do whatever she wants with her body.

A new proposal from one Swedish group has many residents up in arms, however, as they want to give men the right to a "legal abortion" as well. Proposed by a regional branch of the youth wing of the centrist Liberal Party, the law would allow for a potential father to legally relinquish responsibility for his unborn child.

If a man files a claim by the 18th week of a woman's pregnancy, he would lose all custody rights but would also not have to pay child support.

Marcus Nilsen, chairman of Liberal Youth of Sweden (LUF) West, told newspaper Aftonbladet,

It is important to discuss the role of men in pregnancy. It is important that men are honest with their intentions. With this proposal, there is a clear legal decision.

The proposal has stirred up a heated debate in Sweden, where some have pledged support and others have rigidly denounced it. Airing their frustrations on Twitter, some Swedes have called the proposal "disgusting" and questioned whether it was an elaborate April Fools' joke.

But a joke it is not.

Lucky for those who oppose it, the proposal doesn't seem to be moving forward as of now, and Nilsen himself admitted the group has more important issues to prioritize.

Citations: Men should have the right to 'abort' responsibility for an unborn child, Swedish political group says (Washington Post)