Contraception and abortion are two distinct approaches to controlling reproduction, although both reflect a desire to avoid having children. Contraception involves methods used before conception to prevent pregnancy, such as birth control pills, condoms, or intrauterine devices. In contrast, abortion refers to the termination of an existing pregnancy. Both practices embody personal choices regarding parenthood, highlighting the complexities surrounding reproductive rights and individual autonomy.
The quote from Max Frisch's "Homo Faber" underscores the significant role of human agency in decisions about reproduction. By stating that both contraception and abortion express the will not to have children, Frisch emphasizes the proactive and reactive measures people take in response to their circumstances and desires. This perspective challenges the notion that these options are merely about prevention or termination, inviting a deeper reflection on the values associated with choice, freedom, and responsibility in human life.