for answering the direct question, 'what are you. pro-abortion?'

[RicROC]

When I have the occasional person who wishes to challenge me about the abortion topic, and I don't mean the friend who wishes to have a cordial conversation, I will be asked point-blank, 'What are you, pro-abortion?'

My answer is always, 'I'm VERY Pro- It's-None-of-my-business'.

That usually stops them because my answer doesn't fit into their memorized come-backs.

[GemDigger]

1. It's none of my business is my usual comeback and also I add it is none of their business

either.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

2. I'm pro-abortion. It's a safe, simple procedure that does what it's intended to do, which is help

someone who's pregnant not be pregnant anymore.

[Moostache]

3. I tend to be more direct these days...

A simple "Fuck you, you fascist pig" or the more succinct "Fuck you."
But in more rational moments, I would agree that it is 100% NONE OF ANYONE ELSE'S BUSINESS.

[davsand]

32. ABSOLUTELY agreed!

I've been fighting this war for 40 years. I'm well and truly past being demure about what my opinion is about keeping abortion safe and legal. None of it is anybody's business, and if you want to beat me about the head with your magic book/bible, we can have a throw down right f***ing now.

One of the very real benefits of being almost 60 years old is not giving two shits what some fundy imbecile thinks.





Laura

[50 Shades Of Blue]

4. I cut to the chase and say I'm pro-abortion.

Same as I'm pro any other routine medical procedure I may need or want or my have needed or wanted.

[VOX]

5. My response: "Nobody's 'pro-abortion.' But I'm very ANTI-big-government controlling women's bodies."

“What a woman chooses to do with HER health and HER body in a certain situation is HER business ALONE, with the guidance of her physician. If your religious beliefs make you disagree, fine, you’re free to disagree all you want. But stop harassing women who are faced with difficult decisions, and STOP trying to enlist the government (you know, that BIG, overreaching government that you think shouldn’t be involved in healthcare and gun ownership) to overturn constitution law, and barge its way into women’s private lives.”

It’s wordy, I know, but I wouldn’t shorten a syllable of it. And I like pivoting on the word “abortion,” and turning the standard right-wing “big government” phobia on it’s head, in this case.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

6. I'm pro-abortion.

[VOX]

8. I hear you, but "pro choice" frames the argument where it belongs.

It’s a about a woman’s right to choose that’s the overarching issue.

A drive-by “I’m pro abortion” is too easy to dismiss: “Of course you are, you’re a godless liberal, etc.”

But when you state that you’re pro-choice, and that the matter is settled constitutional law, then you’ve got some footing.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

9. Okay, but you said no one is pro-abortion. I am, and I say I am, because it's a useful

healthcare procedure, and talking about it normalizes talking about it. You and I clearly have different tactics, but I want to say that saying "no one is pro-abortion" contributes to the narrative that it's something regrettable, something to be avoided and performed only in the most dire of circumstances, rather than a routine procedure like an appendectomy.

[VOX]

12. Gloria Steinem: "It's obviously ridiculous to say somebody is 'pro-abortion...'"

Ms. Steinem earned her stripes advocating for women’s rights. The language I’m using comes directly from the source.
https://www.apnews.com/98eb2678546f4e8ba037f463f529654f
Feminist icon Gloria Steinem adored, reviled in divided Ohio
AP Newswire
By JULIE CARR SMYTH
May 16, 2017

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gloria Steinem does not believe her life’s work advocating for reproductive freedom and women’s rights makes her “pro-abortion,” the feminist icon said in an Associated Press interview Tuesday.

Steinem spoke ahead of her appearance at a centennial gala fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, the state chapter of the abortion and women’s health care provider whose government grants have been targeted by some Republicans.
<snip>
Ohio Right to Life labeled her a “radical pro-abortion icon” and called Planned Parenthood a de-humanizing organization.

“If they supported me, I’d know I was doing something wrong,” Steinem said of the anti-abortion group. “It’s obviously ridiculous to say somebody is ‘pro-abortion.’ Nobody wakes up in the morning and says, ‘I think I’ll have an abortion. It’s a pleasurable experience.’ The question is not pro-abortion or anti-abortion, the question is who makes the decision: a woman and her physician, or the government.”
<snip>

[WhiskeyGrinder]

14. That's fine, I disagree with her too! I am definitely a fan of a procedure that helps people stop

being pregnant when they don't want to be. Abortion, suit up, you're in!

[Polybius]

27. But if a candidate said that, they would lose

They would have to word it differently.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

28. Candidates can say whatever they want. I am pro-abortion.

[Polybius]

30. Pro would mean you prefer people have abortions

Like if someone said they were pregnant, the pro-abortion thing to say (or think) would be "have an abortion." That is the true meaning of pro-abortion. Also, a person can not be pro-abortion and have kids either. Bringing them to term would not be pro-abortion. Not sure if that's your position. If it is, you are consistent.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

33. I say I am pro-abortion when others say "no one is pro-abortion" because I am in favor of

medical procedures that solve problems. If someone were to say "no one is pro-tonsillectomy" -- which is just as ridiculous as saying "no one is pro-abortion" -- I would say that I too am pro-tonsillectomy. Abortion is a solution to a problem, and I am in favor of solutions to problems.

[Polybius]

34. Fair enough

I would never say "no one is pro-abortion" like that other poster said. There are plenty who are pro-abortion.

[Mariana]

36. No, the prefix "pro-" does not mean that.

It simply means support for something (in this case, abortion). It does not in any way imply that the alternative (in this case, continued pregnancy and birth) is undesirable.

If it does mean that, then we'd best be consistent about it. For example, no one should ever say they're pro same sex marriage, because that implies that every marriage should be a same sex marriage, and that opposite sex marriages are bad, right?

[ChubbyStar]

41. Boom

Beautifully stated!

[Polybius]

45. No that would be pro-choice

Pro-abortion means you prefer abortion over birth. I call myself pro-marriage equality.

[Tumbulu]

15. I want to add " pro responsible parenting" to the choice of words

Because people get abortions when they are not ready or able to be a responsible parent.

So, enough with this choice thing, that implies whim. Lets throw the word back at these people that they love to use: taking responsibility. Which is what abortions are. Most women seeking abortions already have children. They have decided that they cannot have another one for all sorts of responsible considerations that are nobody else's business.

[VOX]

18. Excellent point.

And I agree wholeheartedly.

However, the “choice thing” is of paramount importance to advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood.

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/can-you-explain-what-pro-choice-means-and-pro-life-means-im-supposed-to-do-it-for-a-class-thanks
Can you explain what pro-choice means and pro-life means? I’m supposed to do it for a class. Thanks.

Good question. People who are pro-choice believe that women have the basic human right to decide when and whether to have children, based on their own moral and religious beliefs, even though they themselves may not choose abortion as an option for an unplanned pregnancy.

People who are anti-choice oppose abortion. Many of them do not believe that a woman should be able to choose abortion under any circumstances, even if she has been raped or if carrying the pregnancy to term may put her life in danger. Also, many anti-choice people do not believe that women should be allowed to use birth control.

Anti-choice people also disagree with most medical authorities about the definition of pregnancy. They mistakenly believe that pregnancy begins with the fertilization of the egg. Most authorities believe that pregnancy begins when the implantation of the fertilized egg into the lining of the uterus is complete.

Anti-choice people often call themselves “pro-life.” But the only life many of them are concerned with is the life of the fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus. They are much less concerned about the life of women who have unintended pregnancies or the welfare of children after they are born. In fact, many anti-choice people who call themselves “pro-life” support capital punishment and oppose child welfare legislation.

Most anti-choice people also believe in overturning the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. In that decision, the court ruled that a woman’s right to choose is protected by the Constitution and that abortion is legal throughout the United States.

[Tumbulu]

37. Very true, but I think that many people are sick of these labels

I want to give fresh words to open up peoples minds a bit.

And these anti abortion people are usually all into personal responsibility. And I want to share the fact that most abortions are had by people who are doing their personal best to be responsible parents to the children that they already have. Or recognize that they are not ready to be a parent at all.

I feel that the polarization of the rhetoric is hurting us all. I personally know a few young women who are seem to me to be crazy with the anti abortion talking points. So I am trying my best to explain to them, using the ideals that they espouse, why abortion needs to be kept as a medical option and that people choosing this proceedure are not murderers. Which is what their religious leaders have brainwashed them into thinking.

I used to think that I could ignore all this sort of crazy talk, but clearly I cannot; we cannot. So I struggle to imagine new ways to reach these - what I consider to be - very brainwashed younger women. And there seem to be a lot of them. Way more than I realized.

[Mariana]

24. Why aren't you pro-abortion?

When you say, "Nobody is pro-abortion, you're reinforcing their idea that abortion is inherently wrong. Is that what you think, too? Do you think that a women who's had an abortion has done A Bad Thing?

Other than that, I say a similar thing. "I don't think the government should make medical decisions for people."

[lunatica]

29. Good point

It making me rethink.

[Tumbulu]

38. I am not pro abortion

I could not have one, I did not have one. But I absolutely do not want to impose my beliefs on anyone else. And certainly I do not want the government involved in personal health decisions at all. Many people are pro abortion. But many people who support the right to an abortion are like me. They would not have one unless medically necessary.

I think it is a mistake to demand that people who support the right to an abortion should be pro abortion.

[Mariana]

40. I am pro same sex marriage

even though I have not and will not marry someone who is the same sex as me. I absolutely do not want to impose my orientation on anyone else. Many people who support the right to marry someone of the same sex are like me, they would never do it themselves.

How is that different? Do you think I shouldn't consider myself to be pro same sex marriage?

[Tumbulu]

42. I am in no mood to argue about semantics

We have real battles, not things like this.

If you want to impose your beliefs on others, then watch out, you are getting close to what all the forced birthers are.

70% of the US population supports the government staying out of personal medical decisions such as abortion, let’s agree to focus on that and not demand that everyone supports your approach.

I would wager that it is this confrontational approach that helps the forced birthers get followers.

[Maru Kitteh]

44. Language matters. Those who insist "nobody" is pro-abortion don't get to

Last edited Mon May 20, 2019, 12:14 AM - Edit history (1)

speak for those of us who actually would describe ourselves as pro-abortion, present company included. Presuming to tell us how we are allowed to speak and think about this issue is the very essence of trying to impose your beliefs upon us. So - does that mean you are getting close to what all the forced birthers are?

Language matters. I am pro-abortion in the same way I am pro-coronary bypass surgery or pro-dental implants. If somebody needs or wants a medical procedure I support their right to medical care and to be as open or private as they wish WITHOUT shame or stigma.

I am pro-abortion.

[Tumbulu]

46. Well that is good, and look where this militancy has gotten us?

Do you think all this talk of being pro abortion has not emboldened the other side a little?

I do. I don’t like this style of thinking or dealing with other people. In you or in the forced birthers.

I don’t cut the tails off of my sheep. I keep over 200 wool- not meat- sheep. I’m in a place where fly strike is not a huge problem. But it obligates me to catch any sheep who gets diarrhea and clean their rear ends all up, which is a most unpleasant task. I think it is mean to cut the tails off of sheep unless really necessary. But in much of the world, there are summer rains and wool sheep can get infested with fly larvae in their tails and there is no little old lady hanging around ready to clean up their rear ends and keep them from getting flystrike. So, the larvae can get out of hand and kill the sheep.

So, I am not pro tail docking. In fact I cannot do it. But I am not going to criticize someone who does. Because they are doing it for a good reason.

You sound as though you are pro health care. I agree that an abortion is a medical tool, that should be used without unecesary government intervention. Heath care includes all options. But to say that you are pro abortion is to me just like you are saying that you are pro tail docking because you want people to be able to do that to their sheep when necessary. I am not pro tail docking. I want people to leave their sheep’s tails alone if they do not need to take them off for some reasonable reason. And the tail docking people used to get all upset that I don’t take their tails off, they would accuse me of being mean and not being a good shepherd. It has taken a good 15 years for the animal humane standards to look into sheep tail docking and require that there be an actual reason for tail docking. Finally, because of them, nobody gets all mad at me for allowing my sheep to keep their tails.

[Maru Kitteh]

48. Oh I see. "This militancy" equals women with the termenity to insist on

the rights of a fully autonomous human being. "This militancy" = women who refuse to bow their heads in the requisite amount of shame, secrecy and submission the patriarchy and X-tian Taliban demand.

You're asking the wrong question. Or perhaps maybe you're just asking the wrong bitch. I'm not ashamed, I have no interest in keeping my abortion a secret, and I will not submit.

Instead of pondering what "this militancy" of women insisting on being treated like full, free humans has gotten us - the more relevant question is what has the internalization of shame, the acceptance of secrecy and the submissive genuflection before the wretched filth who intend to control our very own bodies has gotten us?

Appeasement, hanging our heads, making excuses, apologizing for our "mistakes," talking like nice girls and allowing the fundies to frame all of the language about the issue, and even dictate our language, is how we have come to find ourselves at the doorstep of Gilead.

We need more of "this militancy," and far less secrecy and shame.

[Tumbulu]

49. you are missing my entire point

I am stating that a medical procedure- abortion- is a tool in the medical field. That is all.

I am pro doctors having all tools at their disposal. Aren't you?

Why would you champion one tool as the only one? Or as one to be ashamed of?

What is shameful to you about abortion?

That some people chose to shame those who need that procedure just infuriates me.

I am saying to you that abortion is one tool. It must be kept available, legal and safe. But it is not my goal to champion it as some great wonderful thing to go through. And I do not get why it seems to have become a litmus test for some. Drop it already! A lot of people want to keep all medical tools available and safe and free.

And this is what I do not understand. Why do you think it needs to be celebrated?

Do you celebrate getting an appendix out? Or a root canal?

I am glad I can get one when needed to save the tooth. But I don't go around bragging how many root canals I have had.

Why is this different?

[TeamPooka]

7. If asked that way I tell them I'm so pro-abortion I think it should be applied retroactively to them

[mr_lebowski]

10. "To make sure I understand the question ... would you say you're pro-appendectomy, or no?" (nt)

[Ms. Toad]

13. No more than I am pro-tonsillectomy,

a surgery that people should have access to when it is medically appropriate. But my spouse's family was literally pro-tonsillectormy: They scheduled tonsillectomies for all of their 7 children just to prevent the possibility having kids sick with tonsilitis at inconvenient times. That is an inappropriate use of medical resources, and it is inappropriate to remove body parts that almost certainly have some useful purpose, to avoid the possibility that the need for, or timing of, the procedure would be inconvenient.

That is the problem with being pro-"generic medical procedure" of any kind. Medical procedures neither good (pro) or bad (anti) in isolation. The issue is having the having access to those procedures when they are medically appropriate.

[mr_lebowski]

17. "The issue is having the having access to those procedures when they are medically appropriate."

That's the point exactly ... most people, if you retort by asking whether they're pro-appendectomy would say end up saying something like 'I guess, if someone needs one, I'm for it' ... and I say 'well, there's your answer to what you asked me'.

[Ms. Toad]

21. My response would be that it is a nonsensical question.

Declaring myself pro-abortion is not accurate, because I'm pro access - not pro abortion. It also lets them define words using political postures, rather than by their ordinary definitions. I don't think ceding language to them is a particularly helpful MO.

[mr_lebowski]

22. You know, you're absolutely right ... and that's another way that conversation might go ...

Where I end up pointing out how the question is ridiculous on it's face.

As you've said, nobody is really 'pro-' ... any given medical procedure.

Where I'd end up ... would depend on how the debate proceeded

[Tumbulu]

50. yes, you have articulated it so much better than I did!

thank you!

[Codeine]

20. Shit. I just posted that.

That’ll teach me to read the thread first.

[mr_lebowski]

23. GMTA my friend (nt)

[KY_EnviroGuy]

11. Another good one is to say "my brain does not accept political intimidation".

Actually - depending on the person - I prefer to say I'm pro-women and pro-equal rights. That usually stops them dead.

I do agree it really is none of their business because they usually just want to intimidate and dominate......

[Tumbulu]

16. I like to say "Pro Responsible Parenting"

Throw that word right back at them, that they throw around so sanctimoniously.

People using abortion services generally already have 2+ children. Their decision to not have any more is theirs to make and unless the government is going to pay women and families to house and feed and raise these children, they had best stay out of that financial conversation.

I would like to also suggest that we "pro responsible parenting" people demand to know how they are going to pay the women forced to produce all these unwanted zygotes? And how they will pay for their upbringing?

Do not call them babies either! Oh their rhetoric really really steams me!

[Codeine]

19. Nobody asks if you're pro-appendectomy

or pro-skin graft. Why should this particular medical procedure, which as simpler and safer than most, be viewed differently?

Edit: beaten to the punch by Mr Lebowski.

[UniteFightBack]

25. They are for forced birth and we believe people should make their own choices. I think the most

important thing is coming back to them with no you are not pro life you are pro forced birth.

[ProudLib72]

26. I'm anti-ultra-simplistic-binary-thinking

Makes the mouth breathers go "Huh?" and drool on themselves.

[lunatica]

31. LOL!

I’m becoming a fan of yours!

[Iggo]

35. "Yes." -- Iggo. (n/t)

[roamer65]

39. I am pro-vasectomy.

Men need to step up and take a larger role in population control.

No sperms, no babies...thus no need for abortion.

[Tumbulu]

47. Yes, I think that is the perfect come back

I will use it.

[Martin Eden]

43. Defending women's health and right to choose SHOULD BE our "business"

Speaking as a 61 year old white male, we need to stand in solidarity with our sisters in battling against the assault on their health and reproductive freedoms.

Here's how I would answer the question:

I am VERY Pro-Life, which is why I will NEVER vote Republican.