My husband and I have the debate constantly that the English language really messes with our ability to clearly communicate what we are really feeling/thinking and and with one another. The perfect example of this is the term “Pro-Life.” I dislike the use of this term to refer to those who are anti-abortion. I know this is splitting hairs in a sense but the term is also propaganda as well. To state one is Pro-Life implies that there are people out there who are anti-life. I know many people whom are pro-choice (me included) and I am anything but anti-life. “Pro-Life” implies this love of all life and an unconditional acceptance of all life. This could not be farther from the truth in respect to “Pro-lifers” in our society. The majority of those who are “Pro-Life” are those who resent our social welfare programs–the very same programs that help those who choose to have carry to there their unplanned pregnancy. These are the same people who loudly oppose gay marriage–another “life” affirming right.
To say one is “Pro-Life” should imply that they care about all of the living and that couldn’t be further from the truth. People who claim to be “Pro-Life” are really “Pro-Birth” as they don’t necessarily care what happens after the fetus comes out and is a baby that now has needs that someone cannot or doesn’t care meet. If they were really “Pro-Life” there would be less children in foster care as they would all be provided for by those who demanded their birth. It frustrates me to no end this manipulation of our language to convey an idea that really isn’t the truth at all.
I am both Pro Choice and Pro Life. I have the greatest children in the world who just happened to be born to women who felt they could not provide for them. If those who proudly wear the badge of honor that is “Pro-Life” shirts, posters and bumper stickers, took their time, energy, and money and put it towards helping those who are living the world would truly be a better place. too bad we really aren’t a “Pro-Life” society.
Embracing Imperfection 
I was just having a similar conversation the other day. I consider myself Pro-life (although I choose to pray for those considering abortion, rather than verbally attack them)…& I’m certain that very few of them have foster or adopted children…probably don’t even volunteer for organizations designed for mentoring at risk youths, etc…and if they have a problem with welfare, how about volunteering to teach someone to use it as a stepping stone rather than a crutch or entitlement. In Sacramento there was an awesome place called a crisis nursery where parents could just drop babies off when they are feeling overwhelmed/needing help…another example of a place where “pro-lifers” could put in some time. And while I place a huge value on the innocent unborn, what about the innocents who are being killed in wars and conflicts througout the world.
And yeah, don’t get me started on the gay marraige thing…how about we just keep church and state separated and churches can continue to do their religious ceremonies on hetero couples only, while the civil ceremonies can be performed on same sex as well as hetero…and last time I checked gays who adopt do so overwhelmingly through the foster system so they are doing more than many “pro-lifers”.
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And being Pro-Choice does not make a person Pro-Abortion or Pro-Death or Anti-Child or Anti-Family. Oh, and being an adoptive parent does not mean a person is Pro-Life.
Don’t you hate being put in a box??!
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Well said. I also like Ginger’s response. I know there are people out there who think this way, hopefully it will start to spread. This issue is so incredibly divisive and I see it hurting our country. People I know voted for McCain simply b/c he is “Pro-life” but then would admit that they had really wanted to vote for Obama and agreed with him on most things except this one issue. Anyway – I’m hoping we can begin to find a way to heal the rift.
Stacies last blog post..Happy Adoption Saturday!
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