The meaning of "Pro-Life"

[perfessor]

It seems to me, watching the news and listening to debates on the abortion issue, that the term "pro-life" has acquired a very limited meaning - as if its adherents were using it as a code word for "anti-abortion".

I consider myself to be pro-life, and here is my (personal) definition:

Against abortion
Against capital punishment
Against war (any war, any time, so this includes Iraq)
Against nuclear testing, armament, re-armament, etc.
Against unrestricted gun ownership
In favor of beating swords into plowshares (as opposed to a foreign policy of providing weapons as a means of support)

I am not opposed to euthanasia, as this includes a quality-of-life decision which can be made by the person.

Oddly, most pro-lifers I talk to only hold one of the above beliefs (guess which one!).

What do YOU think? If you are pro-life, how about those other issues? And what does your priest / pastor / rabbi say about it?

[ST88]

It seems to me, watching the news and listening to debates on the abortion issue, that the term "pro-life" has acquired a very limited meaning - as if its adherents were using it as a code word for "anti-abortion".

I think you're right about this. However, it's my historical recollection that the term "pro-life" was actually coined to oppose "pro-choice", which itself was only appied to the issue of abortion.

To make the opposition to a positive term, "pro-" something, instead of using "anti-choice" they thought up something equally positive, "pro-life" and meant for it to specifically refer to abortion.

Later, the left-wing started using "pro-life" as a blunt instrument against the "pro-lifers" by implying that the term should apply to other situations where "life" should be held in a higher regard than it was, such as the ones you describe. So the only quibble I would have is your assertion that "pro-life" has acquired a very limited meaning. In my recollection, it started with this narrow definition and was expanded by others.

Correct me if I'm wrong on my history, I'm just not that old. (I should say I'm not quite that old.)

ed to add: I'm pro-choice & I have no official sages to guide me. ('cept Corvus )

[perfessor]

ST88 wrote:

I think you're right about this. However, it's my historical recollection that the term "pro-life" was actually coined to oppose "pro-choice", which itself was only appied to the issue of abortion.

You are right about this - the term "pro-choice" is also somewhat orwellian.

[Corvus]

ed to add: I'm pro-choice & I have no official sages to guide me. ('cept Corvus )

Hah! That's very kind, but I'm afraid that it's probable I will only lead you into perdition. Besides, my pride is far too inflated to have you swell it more. Pride is a good thing, however, in moderate amounts. It's appalling what goes on with the most ruthless honesty on our streets!



The term pro-choice is misleading. But I believe, for an anti-abortionist, to not hold to the rest of your list would not be an inconsistent position that weakens their argument. They are valuing an innocent and potential life above one already realised, one which has the choice of whether to to sacrifice itself for a cause or not, as in the case of war and punishment. Not to say there isn't "collateral damage" in war, but they can be considered a means to a "noble" end.

(Reminds me of a fantastic piece of dialogue in Full Metal Jacket, where a soldier is being interviewed during the Vietnam war, and says about the natives, "Personally, I think, uh ... they don't really want to be involved in this war. I mean ... they sort of took away our freedom and gave it to the, to the gookers, you know. But they don't want it. They'd rather be alive than free, I guess. Poor dumb bastards.)

[nikolayevich]

Just reading this thread now... a little late of course

I think the most accurate way to couch it, is that Pro-Life and Pro-Choice are seen equally as euphemisms by their opposing camps. It goes both ways. Much like Republican/Democrat...

[hannahjoy]

Every definition of "pro-life" I've seen is limited to the issue of abortion, and that's what I mean when I can myself "pro-life." If you're going to redefine it, then I'll have to be more explicit.

I think the most accurate way to couch it, is that Pro-Life and Pro-Choice are seen equally as euphemisms by their opposing camps. It goes both ways. Much like Republican/Democrat...

I agree - just stick with "pro-abortion" and "anti-abortion." But then, "abortion" itself is a euphemism.

[BeHereNow]

Hannajoy:

I agree - just stick with "pro-abortion" and "anti-abortion.

I believe the meaning of anti-abortion is self evident, but would you define your usage of the term “pro-abortion”.
Thanks

[BeHereNow]

Hannajoy: I agree - just stick with "pro-abortion" and "anti-abortion.

I believe the meaning of anti-abortion is self evident, but would you define your understanding of the term “pro-abortion”.
Thanks

[hannahjoy]

I believe the meaning of anti-abortion is self evident, but would you define your understanding of the term “pro-abortion”.

The view that abortion is not wrong, or should not be illegal.

[BeHereNow]

hannajoy:

Works for me.
The connotation of the term is that someone advocates abortions, which of couse would not be true. I dislike terms which have a meaning different than their connotation, thus I am opposed to your suggestion.