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From: bernie@watarts.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.women
Subject: On the naming of groups...
Message-ID: <1953@watarts.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 14-Jul-83 13:31:08 EDT
Article-I.D.: watarts.1953
Posted: Thu Jul 14 13:31:08 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 15-Jul-83 00:36:38 EDT
Lines: 22

On a slight tangent...
   One of the things that annoys be most about the anti-abortionists is
the fact that they play off peoples' emotional responses, rather than use
reasoned arguments.  (Note: yes, there are a few anti-abortionists do try
to use reason instead of emotion, but by and large the statement is true).
   Example:  the anti-abortionists describe themselves as a "pro-life"
movement.  I am also "pro-life"; however, I do not feel women should be
prevented from having abortions if they decide that is their best option.
When an anti-abortion group describes themselves as "pro-life" they are
implying that anyone who is in favor of legalized abortion is somehow
"anti-life" (which is not the case at all).
   Before anyone responds that the anti-anti-abortionists are "pro-choice",
let me point out that this is a far more descriptive label.  "Pro-choice"
groups are *not* advocating abortion; they *are* advocating freedom of
choice for women.  If they were "pro-abortion" they'd be saying "abortions
are a good thing, everyone ought to have one" (which is clearly *not* what
they're saying).  There is no "pro-abortion" movement afoot; there is only
a concerned group of individuals who feel everyone (yes, even women!) should
have control over their own bodies, and that this is one of the most basic
freedoms imaginable.
				--Bernie Roehl
					...decvax!watmath!watarts!bernie