My ex abandoned our premature son and I in the hospital for a week when he was born; never came to see him or anything. Then, when he was released, he spent a grand total of 26 hours with him. He was 20 years old, constantly out partying and drinking, and then kicked us out with nowhere to go when our son was 2 months old. Never sends child support, never asks about him, nothing. I hear from him when HE needs money. Can I prove the best thing would be to have his rights stripped?

... Can I prove the best thing would be to have his rights stripped?

No. The best thing would be for him to grow up. But short of that, get a child custody and support order, and enforce it.