2nd Trimester

A thought on the meaning of "pro-choice"

Maybe I am alone here, but in my opinion, even if you yourself would NEVER have an abortion, if you support another person's right to do so, that is being pro-choice. I don't think it's accurate to say you are pro-life because you could never have an abortion, and to then follow with the caveat that in cases for other people you think it can be ok. To me, that describes the pro-choice position (and this isn't addressed to anyone in particular but there were a few responses somewhat along those lines, and I've heard it before).

I think phrasing it this way lends further credence to the false assumption that being pro-choice = pro-abortion, which it does not.

ETA: I just saw that jenerally posted almost the same thing a couple posts down while I was writing this. Sorry for duplicate topics!

*** It's funny because I'm fat ***
«1

Re: A thought on the meaning of "pro-choice"

  • Exactly! Pro-choice is just that... pro women having a choice to choose either option.
  • Loading the player...
  • i agree with this. i was reading the posts on the pro-life/pro-choice question thinking the same exact thing. unless you want to prohibit EVERYONE from getting an abortion, not just yourself, you are pro-choice.
  • valid and interesting synopsis....never looked at it that way.
  • I agree with you. If you support a woman's right to choose, then you are pro-choice.
  • Amen. I've never before heard  somebody say they're "personally pro-life, but socially pro-choice".  It's not about whether you want an abortion - it's whether you believe you should legally have the option.
    image

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    BabyFruit Ticker
    Amber
    TTC since March '06
    MFI, LPD, possible PCOS
    3 chem pgs * m/c identical twins at 9w 10.06
    IVF w/ICSI #2 - beta - 187! (9dp5dt), beta - 367! (11dp5dt)
    IVF w/ICSI #3 - it's a girl!
    My IF Blog: Between the Lines
    My Parenting Blog: Letters From Your Mama
  • This is the very definition of why I'm pro-choice.
  • imagesomethingchangd:
    Amen. I've never before heard  somebody say they're "personally pro-life, but socially pro-choice".  It's not about whether you want an abortion - it's whether you believe you should legally have the option.

    I was thinking the same thing.

  • I can't speak for everyone, but I understand this saying. If it's something you would never do, but what if you were raped and beaten and left pregnant. I mean there are so many cases that I could understand why you would do that. I hate to think about the people who do this irresponsibly. I guess yes that would make me pro-choice, but I take it as every situation is diffrent.
  • Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    I think that in light of the Pope issuing a statement today that Condoms do NOT prevent the spread of AIDS I think it is time that the antiquated approaches to birth control or the lack thereof by religious groups should be made to be illegal. I think the Pope should be brought up on War Crimes charges for making such an irresponsible and potentially LETHAL statement.?

    I think many women would be truly horrified if they looked back at the historical reasons why birth control has been frowned upon by religious groups and abstinence taught as the way of that particular church. It's more about the suppression and control of women by men than anything to do with God. This is not an issue that pertains only to Christians, look at what Middle Eastern and African women are currently being made to SUFFER through as a result of Patriarchal systems.

    Okay, stepping away from the computer because this makes my blood literally boil.

    CHOICE = OPTIONS = WOMEN'S RIGHTS=HAPPIER & HEALTHIER SOCIETY ON THE WHOLE & IMPROVED STATUS FOR CHILDREN

    It's as simple as that.?

  • Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! This so needed to be said.

    Pro-choice does not equal pro-abortion. If you believe that it should be legal for women to choose abortion when it is right for them, regardless of what you would do personally, then you are by definition a pro-choice person.


  • well, now I am all confused..I thought I was pro-life..but it is not that I support people in getting an abortion but I don't want to judge..I say that because I don't know anyones situation and God doesn't want me to judge..now that doesn't mean I haven't judged nor will judge again...there was a situation where I knew a woman who had two boys and was prego again with the same man, whom she lived with, decided to get a abortion..I wasn't happy with that..just because I knew her situation I didn't think it was right...she said she was a Christian woman and cried to me about it and then she did it anyways..I wasn't happy with that..but I think that was I knew her situation..I don't want to know people's situation so I don't judge..I dont' even know why I am still typing...I am prolife.. obviously, right?

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • I am pro-life but I am just not anti-choice. ?I think anti-choice is a better name than pro-life because just because I support a woman's right to choose doesn't mean I am NOT pro-life. ?
  • imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    I think that in light of the Pope issuing a statement today that Condoms do NOT prevent the spread of AIDS I think it is time that the antiquated approaches to birth control or the lack thereof by religious groups should be made to be illegal. I think the Pope should be brought up on War Crimes charges for making such an irresponsible and potentially LETHAL statement.?

    I think many women would be truly horrified if they looked back at the historical reasons why birth control has been frowned upon by religious groups and abstinence taught as the way of that particular church. It's more about the suppression and control of women by men than anything to do with God. This is not an issue that pertains only to Christians, look at what Middle Eastern and African women are currently being made to SUFFER through as a result of Patriarchal systems.

    Okay, stepping away from the computer because this makes my blood literally boil.

    CHOICE = OPTIONS = WOMEN'S RIGHTS=HAPPIER & HEALTHIER SOCIETY ON THE WHOLE & IMPROVED STATUS FOR CHILDREN

    It's as simple as that.?

    Yet another reason I have a lady crush on HeyyRed!

  • sam19sam19 member
    Red -- I love you. You seriously say what I'm thinking but have no clue how to put into words. Ok, so maybe I wasn't thinking that stuff at the time but I 100% agree with every word you said.
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker NATALIE - 9/13/09 HANNAH - 6/8/12
  • imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    I think that in light of the Pope issuing a statement today that Condoms do NOT prevent the spread of AIDS I think it is time that the antiquated approaches to birth control or the lack thereof by religious groups should be made to be illegal. I think the Pope should be brought up on War Crimes charges for making such an irresponsible and potentially LETHAL statement.?

    I think many women would be truly horrified if they looked back at the historical reasons why birth control has been frowned upon by religious groups and abstinence taught as the way of that particular church. It's more about the suppression and control of women by men than anything to do with God. This is not an issue that pertains only to Christians, look at what Middle Eastern and African women are currently being made to SUFFER through as a result of Patriarchal systems.

    Okay, stepping away from the computer because this makes my blood literally boil.

    CHOICE = OPTIONS = WOMEN'S RIGHTS=HAPPIER & HEALTHIER SOCIETY ON THE WHOLE & IMPROVED STATUS FOR CHILDREN

    It's as simple as that.?

    Ditto!!!

    ?

    To me it has always been really simple:

    pro-life = anti-abortion! (hello dictatorship!)
    pro-choice = choose life if you don't want abortion but maybe somebody else has a good reason to go for it!

    Be smart people, keep the choice!??

    imageimageBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • I believe that nearly every woman wishes we lived in a perfect world where no one ever had to make that choice.  That being said,  I use the terms pro-choice and anti-choice instead of pro-choice and pro-life.  I am definitely pro-choice,  because I believe that abortion should remain a legal medical procedure.  I also hope that as few women as possible ever have to consider and/or have abortions. 
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • imagerrotem:
    I am pro-life but I am just not anti-choice.  I think anti-choice is a better name than pro-life because just because I support a woman's right to choose doesn't mean I am NOT pro-life.

    I think by most people's definition this would make you pro-choice. Your position perfectly illustrates how flawed the term pro-life is to describe the stance of being anti-abortion in all cases for all people - which is how most use the term. (This might be what you were saying anyways, in which case, agreed!).

    *** It's funny because I'm fat ***
  • It's cause I'm the geriatric card carrier on the Bump remember.. I have wisdom or some such thing that comes from well god only knows really...

    I have an amazing mother who has fought for the right to choose and has included me on that fight since I was a little girl. She's also fought the province for the right for women to go topless in public should they CHOOSE because she grew up feeling ashamed of her breasts and took to town meetings to read an open letter about how awful she felt about her own body as a result of 'societal rules' about nudity. She even refused to breast feed me because she was still so hung up on her body image issues.?

    So it's personal for me.

    And let me just say, my crushes... Lil May and Lil Dash. Oh my god he breaks my heart Jen every time I see that picture. Who wouldn't want a better world for those sweet sweet boys to grow up ?and learn to love and respect women in.?

  • This is all lovely but we have to remember that we have an overwhelming majority of Bible Thumpers on here that are merely (either consciously or unconsciously) regurgitating what they've been taught by the church for decades now.  I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying this but it's hard to publicly express what one feels without being judged.  Therefore, it makes sense that many women asked for a clicky poll or tried to rationalize their "pro-life" title with a pro-choice explanation.  In the end, we're not going to change what they continue to say IRL because that is the image they must uphold, whereas their bump image is completely tangible and better off changed when their opinion is abberant from the mass (thank you Mean Girls). 

    Disclaimers: I'm not saying that everyone on here is a Bible Thumper, nor am I saying that all pro-lifers are Bible Thumpers.  I'm merely stating a fact, which is that many women may be jaded by their religion, politics and or social situations and may not be totally clear on the definitions pro-life and pro-choice.  I realize that the goal here is to clarify the definition but that may not always work and we have to accept and respect that.

    Pregnancy Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    The term "pro life" should not be interpreted so narrowly.  The pro life movement is about more than just abortion; it is about respecting the dignity of each individual's right-to-life at every stage of human development, from conception to natural death. The pro-life movement is a response not only to abortion, but to issues of embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, and the degradation of the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.  When it comes to the specific issue of abortion, the pro life response is that from the moment of conception, a human being with a right to life has been created; that right to life trumps other competing interests.

  • Wow, I guess I am a Bible thumping person who lacks wisdom and all because I am pro-life (I do not think abortion should be legal).  Who knew?
  • That's my take on it.  Would I choose to have an abortion - no; but would I support a friend that chose that option-yes;  IMO that is pro-choice, so that's what I consider myself.
    m/c April '08
    DD#1 born June '09
    DD#2 born April '11
    TTC #3 as of July '14


    My Ovulation Chart
  • imagemags2144:
    imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    The term "pro life" should not be interpreted so narrowly.  The pro life movement is about more than just abortion; it is about respecting the dignity of each individual's right-to-life at every stage of human development, from conception to natural death. The pro-life movement is a response not only to abortion, but to issues of embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, and the degradation of the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.  When it comes to the specific issue of abortion, the pro life response is that from the moment of conception, a human being with a right to life has been created; that right to life trumps other competing interests.

     Thank-you. This is a huge ethical debate (which we don't have to necessarily have on the bumpSmile that will not be cleared with definitions. This is an issue of the value of life, the quality of life, and the beginning of life.  I think it is too simplistic to lump people into either groups of pro-choice or pro-life. 

     

  • imagemags2144:
    imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    The term "pro life" should not be interpreted so narrowly.  The pro life movement is about more than just abortion; it is about respecting the dignity of each individual's right-to-life at every stage of human development, from conception to natural death. The pro-life movement is a response not only to abortion, but to issues of embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, and the degradation of the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.  When it comes to the specific issue of abortion, the pro life response is that from the moment of conception, a human being with a right to life has been created; that right to life trumps other competing interests.

    Bullsh!t. The vast majority of "pro-lifers" support the death penalty.  I'm not saying YOU do or don't, but to claim that the pro-life movement doesn't believe in terminating life in any case is just untrue.

    image

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    BabyFruit Ticker
    Amber
    TTC since March '06
    MFI, LPD, possible PCOS
    3 chem pgs * m/c identical twins at 9w 10.06
    IVF w/ICSI #2 - beta - 187! (9dp5dt), beta - 367! (11dp5dt)
    IVF w/ICSI #3 - it's a girl!
    My IF Blog: Between the Lines
    My Parenting Blog: Letters From Your Mama
  • imagesomethingchangd:
    imagemags2144:
    imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    The term "pro life" should not be interpreted so narrowly.  The pro life movement is about more than just abortion; it is about respecting the dignity of each individual's right-to-life at every stage of human development, from conception to natural death. The pro-life movement is a response not only to abortion, but to issues of embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, and the degradation of the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.  When it comes to the specific issue of abortion, the pro life response is that from the moment of conception, a human being with a right to life has been created; that right to life trumps other competing interests.

    Bullsh!t. The vast majority of "pro-lifers" support the death penalty.  I'm not saying YOU do or don't, but to claim that the pro-life movement doesn't believe in terminating life in any case is just untrue.

    Actually, from a little bit of reading of been doing, it seems that many pro-life advocates to not support the death penalty because that it also ending a life., but then again other's do support it. I suppose the ratio wouldn't be that different than the death penalty views of those supporting the pro-choice movement.
  • imagePuppyMommy:
    Wow, I guess I am a Bible thumping person who lacks wisdom and all because I am pro-life (I do not think abortion should be legal).  Who knew?

    I took some initial offense to her post too but after re-reading it I think she meant that there are some people who don't have "pro-life" as an original thought but rather a brainwashed christian order.

    I am pro-life.  I know that can be ugly in cases of abuse and such but none the less - it is a baby.  I can't help stare at my u/s pictures from 8 weeks and see a little head and at 11 weeks and see facial features and not equate that with a live child.  I do not judge those who have different beliefs than mine - but I believe I have a child inside of me that is kicking away as we speak and even if that child came to be out of awful circumstances, it's a child none the less.  I have this belief personally and not because the church told me it was "right".  I think that is what she meant to say.

  • imagejaxgev:

    This is all lovely but we have to remember that we have an overwhelming majority of Bible Thumpers on here that are merely (either consciously or unconsciously) regurgitating what they've been taught by the church for decades now. 

     Count me in as a Bible Thumper then.  I do not believe abortion is okay ANY time.  If you don't want to raise the child as your own, fine give it up for adoption but do not choose to end its life.  I don't know about the rest of you ladies but when I got my BFP I said I was pregnant with a child.  Not a fetus or an embryo, and I don't belive its okay for anyone to kill that child for any reason.

    I think Pro-Choice should be called Pro-Murder , because in my mind thats exactly what it is.

     

    Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickersLilypie Third Birthday tickersLilypie First Birthday tickers
  • I just wanted to add that it is really hard to pigeonhole anyone into a specific catergory.  Like many things pro-choice and pro-life are on a spectrum:  100% pro-choice=those who advocate "abortion on demand" and 100%pro-life: those who oppose every form of abortion.  Although I think there is more too it than just abortion!   It is possible and quite likely that many of us fall somewhere in between those "ends of the spectrum."
  • While I am personally pro-choice, this is the most logical and concise definition of pro-life I've ever heard. Bravo....
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • This is accurate.  I hate the term "Pro-Life" because it automatically assumes the other side is what?  Pro-babykilling?  It's inflammatory by nature.  Pro-choice is what it says = you think each woman/family should choose what is right for them in their particular circumstance and be allowed to make that choice for themselves with their doctor rather than have the choice made for them by the government. 

    I find it hilarious that people who are anti-choice are also pro-gun (usually, and this is an obvious generalization) and don't want non-gun people making laws about that.

    Silly.

  • imagesomethingchangd:
    imagemags2144:
    imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    The term "pro life" should not be interpreted so narrowly.  The pro life movement is about more than just abortion; it is about respecting the dignity of each individual's right-to-life at every stage of human development, from conception to natural death. The pro-life movement is a response not only to abortion, but to issues of embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, and the degradation of the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.  When it comes to the specific issue of abortion, the pro life response is that from the moment of conception, a human being with a right to life has been created; that right to life trumps other competing interests.

    Bullsh!t. The vast majority of "pro-lifers" support the death penalty.  I'm not saying YOU do or don't, but to claim that the pro-life movement doesn't believe in terminating life in any case is just untrue.

    THIS!  Exactly.  You are my soul mate and this is the argument I make any time somebody takes some hipocritical high road with me about my pro-choice views. 

  • THANK YOU for stating what I thought was the obvious... it was really irking me that people were using the terms incorrectly!!
  • imagerrotem:
    I am pro-life but I am just not anti-choice.  I think anti-choice is a better name than pro-life because just because I support a woman's right to choose doesn't mean I am NOT pro-life.

    And... that means you are pro-choice. If you think a woman should have the right to have an abortion, you are pro-choice plain and simple. It doesn't matter whether you would have one yourself or not.

  • imagemags2144:
    imageHeyyRed:

    Agreed 100%.

    I actually take issue with the term Pro Life. I think it's a spin doctor's version to try and take away the stigma of what it really means which is ANTI-ABORTION.

    The term "pro life" should not be interpreted so narrowly.  The pro life movement is about more than just abortion; it is about respecting the dignity of each individual's right-to-life at every stage of human development, from conception to natural death. The pro-life movement is a response not only to abortion, but to issues of embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, and the degradation of the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.  When it comes to the specific issue of abortion, the pro life response is that from the moment of conception, a human being with a right to life has been created; that right to life trumps other competing interests.

    Does this also extend to capital punishment?  I'm only asking because I have heard too many "pro-life" people tell me that they are "pro-capital punishment."  This seems like a conflict to me.

  • You're exactly right. I would not have an abortion, but would NEVER tell another woman what is morally or financially or whatever right for her.

    When you're pro-choice you don't believe anyone should be forced to do anything they are against. Anti-choice (aka "pro-life") however, thinks their belief should be forced on all.

    Hey, I'm a vegetarian - I think killing animals is no less murder than killing a person. Thou shalt not kill didn't specify only humans. But I sure don't go around telling everyone they're wrong and immoral if they don't agree with my personal belief.

  • imagefiremansflame:

     

    I am pro-life.  I know that can be ugly in cases of abuse and such but none the less - it is a baby.  I can't help stare at my u/s pictures from 8 weeks and see a little head and at 11 weeks and see facial features and not equate that with a live child.  I do not judge those who have different beliefs than mine - but I believe I have a child inside of me that is kicking away as we speak and even if that child came to be out of awful circumstances, it's a child none the less.  I have this belief personally and not because the church told me it was "right".  I think that is what she meant to say.

    yes, that's a lovely thought. but you CHOSE to create that life with someone you love.  i doubt you can expect a rape victim to look on her u/s pics with love swelling in her heart.  esp women who've been raped by their brothers or fathers or uncles. yeah.  sick, but it happens.  and anti-choice tells them... tough luck.  deal with the consequences.  

  • imageHeyyRed:

    It's cause I'm the geriatric card carrier on the Bump remember.. I have wisdom or some such thing that comes from well god only knows really...

    I have an amazing mother who has fought for the right to choose and has included me on that fight since I was a little girl. She's also fought the province for the right for women to go topless in public should they CHOOSE because she grew up feeling ashamed of her breasts and took to town meetings to read an open letter about how awful she felt about her own body as a result of 'societal rules' about nudity. She even refused to breast feed me because she was still so hung up on her body image issues. 

    So it's personal for me.

    And let me just say, my crushes... Lil May and Lil Dash. Oh my god he breaks my heart Jen every time I see that picture. Who wouldn't want a better world for those sweet sweet boys to grow up  and learn to love and respect women in. 

  • thank u for being logical!!!!! i agree totally i wouldnt have an abortion but i dont think i have the right to decided what another woman does even if i dont agree with it there r some tuff decisions like insest victims... and sad sad situations like that. i wouldnt want anyone pushing thier belives or morals on me. so y would i do that to someone else.
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"