A way of framing the debate on abortion

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

I frequent a message board that has nothing to do with politics-it has to do with Law & Order. And so, with the possibility of Fred Thompson throwing his hat into the ring, politics came out. Someone asked his positions on things, and I characterized him as "anti-choice". Interesting response from other posters. Some, for the first time, seemed to connect the fact that so-called "pro-life" really means "anti-choice", and they didn't like it!

I think this is the way I'm going to characterize the "pro-life" folks from now on, because in general, they are only pro-fetal life anyway. And I know that they tend to call choice people "pro-abortion", implying that we want every child aborted or something like that. But if we call them "anti-choice", that's exactly what they are doing--denying a woman the choice on whether to take a child to term.

[REP]

1. Take a PREGNANCY To Term or Not

Let's also make sure to discuss what's really being discussed - pregnant women, not imaginary children (unless the woman already has children). A woman choosing abortion is choosing to terminate a pregnancy, not a child.

[NMMNG]

2. Anti-choice is exactly what they are

Unless that choice is to carry the pregnancy to term no matter what the cost to mother, fetus and every other concerned party.

[cosmik debris]

3. I prefer the more strident Pro Slavery

If a woman doesn't control her own body, she is a slave to whoever does control her body.

[Dhalgren]

4. Oooo, I like that. That is a nice framing, "Pro-Slavery"....

[kiahzero]

5. Good one (n/t)

[Cerridwen]

6. Good points - yours and the responses.

Another frame to watch for...

In the 70s, newspapers and "news" programs reported on bombings at "family planning clinics that provided" and then they would go on to list all the services provided in addition to abortion services. Sometime in the 80s, the same type of clinics were labeled "women's health clinics that provided" and then usually just mentioned abortion services. The "family" had been replaced by "women" and the services, although still provided, had been obscured to make it appear that the only reason for the clinic was to provide abortions; think "back alley meets local M.D. (of questionable repute)". Until now, those very same family planning clinics that provide a slate of services are referred to as abortion clinics. The "family" is gone, the "woman" is gone and we're left with an impression of "legitimized" back alley abortion (only) providers with better plumbing.

Doctors who provide abortion services, have had their role similarly skewed until the impression left is that they are "nothing more than" abortion doctors though they are OB/GYNs (usually) who provide a slate of medical services. That is, they are now portrayed as a somewhat "legitimate" and "clean" back alley "abortionists."

Just a couple more examples to add to your framing ideas.