A sentence to ponder:
Like a disease, pregnancy is caused by a pathogen, an external organism invading the host’s body.
Can you guess if it comes from a dystopian science fiction novel or a peer-reviewed research article?
@miljko Arguably the most bonkers, divorced from reality, line I've read in academic literature ever. It's an immediately top five in that category.
@miljko Well... It is not untrue. Host's immune response is actually trying to get rid of it just like other parasites but, is tricked into looking the other way.
@annahavron @miljko Also, for many reasons, the real risks of pregnancy and childbirth are downplayed. My great-grandmother died in childbirth, and if I hadn't given birth to my first child in the late 20th century, I probably would have, too. As it is, I was at risk for gestational diabetes (thanks, pregnancy!), I have a lifelong complication from having given birth, and I know a number of women who had to have C-sections which is, after all, major abdominal surgery. The article you referred to is a great thought experiment. Thanks for posting it.
@Parag This is also one of the points used by pro-abortion activists. Why should I forcefully feed a parasite who is going to have adverse impact on my body.