I am appalled by the subject and responses to this moral dilemma that was depicted here.

Rather than argue arbitrary facts like age and parental supervision, I instead would like to look at this in a medical and moral standpoint. You left a young girl unsupervised after an abortion from a source that was unreliable and probably without proper procedure or experience. How can you call yourself a man?

You state yourself that she was in pain and pale, signs that the surgery was clearly not completely successful.  Furthermore, without appropriate anesthesia that should have been considered torture.   Debating the legality of abortion back then is insignificant in comparison to the risks of that operation. Any medical practice that is not backed by institutions is especially perilous because there would be no standard to follow or responsible party to answer to if the need should arise. If you had cared about her even half as much as you did about yourself, you would have at the very least seen her off or had someone you could trust stay with her during this very fragile time in her life. After all, this could have killed her.  

 I think that it is sad to say that this girl probably looked up to you to guide her based on the fact that she was young and probably terrified. I would have hoped that since you were a senior at a prestigious school that you could have tried to take care of her. Most colleges do not have senior years that last over 9 months.  Also, back in the sixties, it was not unheard of to start a family at 20. This was more about your honor versus her wellbeing.

But it is important to state that not all abortions should be illegal, but the situation you presented makes it clear that you are a criminal and a poor role model to be in academics. I hope that rather than defend your ego, you will reconsider your past choices and possibly learn from them.

~Dr. Lisa Alexander

Unfortunately, as some have beautifully demonstrated, most posts are not about facts, but the character involved, what we think of them and how much we like them. I am not concerned with replying about a "hysterical outburst," which sadly strengthens the historical implications it suggests.

I could never condone any person leaving someone after a surgery that was ill prepared for or poorly proceeded through. If someone is ill, regardless of your status or theirs, you have a life involved. After all, if you live, regardless of the consequences; there is still time to make changes. What if she had died? Would we still be clinging to the "honor code"?

Let's deconstruct this, without the intimate details.

If a person had been through surgery for anything and came out looking ill, should they be sent home alone?

Without any medical experience, I think rationally we can argue that that person should not be left alone. But as Dwyer states, she was to be alone (but mistakenly, this was for the course of the surgery, not the post operative condition.)

But now replace some details, a lover? Someone you love... Does their life warrant questioning your honor, their honor, possibly the whole of society? 

It is fortunate that she lived, but it was not due to anything on Reed's part. He did not leave her the second she said she was pregnant, this should be applauded as many men even today cannot be expected to do that much. But he left too soon, regardless. As Isanhart states, he could have taken her to the hospital.

And then the individuals banding together and ostracizing those who do not agree. This is irrelevant to the topic and degrades any arguments that could be made.

When I stumbled upon this post, I at first deliberated on whether the merit to reply to it based on the reaction that did in fact play out. I am not worried about the character of Reed or even want to delve into other choices made during his life. But this was a poor choice and I am hoping people can reason through this discussion and realize that it is not about egos and honor. It is about the protection of life.

It makes me realize that if people cannot debunk your arguments, they will resort to a lower level of debate. We will not even debate the ethics of leaving a young woman alone after a serious complication. We will debate if we liked Reed and whether you were his buddy or not.