 "Photo:")
It seems that the current trend in the world is to obscure real issues behind a debate centered on words. Especially in the arguments surrounding abortion, some seem to forget what the term "pro-choice" means.
It does not mean "pro-abortion," "pro-death," "anti-life," or "anti-baby."
"Pro-choice" means supporting that an individual has the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion.
Personally, I am not a fan of abortion itself. Putting the baby up for adoption is a much better course of action.
While that is my personal opinion, I recognize that I do not have the right to tell someone else that she cannot have an abortion. Her body is her own, and I do not have any right to condemn her choice, especially when there is no way for me to know every detail of her specific situation. Acknowledging her right to make that decision for herself, and even more importantly, in private, is what makes me pro-choice.
"Pro-choice" explains exactly what it stands for without ambiguity. One the other side of the debate, however, "pro-life" leaves some room for confusion.
If someone identifies as pro-life, he or she should be against abortions, the death penalty and assisted suicides. If he or she holds to those principles, I am able to respect the title of "pro-life" even though I may not agree with his or her chosen stance.
On the other hand, if he or she is against abortions and assisted suicides but supports the death penalty, the "pro-life" label is off-limits. Regardless of anyone's view on the death penalty, it deprives another human being of life.
If you notice, I just spent almost 300 words explaining the names assigned to the sides of the debate. I did not give or support an argument for keeping abortion legal, I simply explained the meaning of "pro-choice." While my definition can be argued, that is not what the overall debate is about. Labels for each side of an argument such as this are important to identify a stance, but they can overshadow the stance itself all too easily.
The point of assigning these titles to the different sides is to make it harder to argue with each other about their principles. The whole issue becomes about names and labels. Ethically, who can argue against life?
"Pro-choice" follows this trend as well. Our rights in this country have accustomed us to the ability to choose which religion we want to practice, what college we wish to attend, if we want ketchup or mustard; who would deny us our rights to those choices?
Disagree with me all you want, but next time you hear protesters or politicians debating an issue or bill, take the time to look a bit deeper than its name.
Be the first to comment on this article!