Pro-Choice and Pro-Life

There always seems to be an adversarial relationship between “pro-choice” and “pro-life” but I don’t believe that is always the case. If you really think about what these labels are supposed to mean, they’re not so far apart. Of course, deeper investigation might reveal that the labels don’t actually fit the movement to which it is applied.

I am old enough to remember the 70s when the labels were a little different. Pro-choice was once referred to as “abortion-rights” and Pro-life was known as “anti-abortion”. In time it became clear that those labels didn’t really represent the true feelings of the movements. Thus, the evolution in the labels.

So, here we are with opposing movements wrapped up in “choice” and “life”. But, I find myself asking do I really oppose “pro-life” or “pro-choice”? The answer is, not on the surface, no. So I have to think deeper and examine what I really feel to try to put the “right label” on myself.

First off, I believe a human being (man or woman) has the right to determine what happens to their body. A person has the right to say who they are going to love, with whom and whether they have sex, when and if they have a baby, and when and how they die. I guess these beliefs make me “Pro-choice”.

I also believe that people deserve basic “life” rights. I believe every person has the right to food, shelter, justice, and equality. I believe that a moral nation supports those who need help with basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care and education. These basic needs are necessary to life. So, these beliefs seem to me to make me “Pro-life”.

So, what am I? Pro-Choice? Pro-Life? Neither? Both?

Here’s what I have decided and it’s my own decision and opinion for myself.

I am both. By my definition of “pro-choice” and “pro-life”, I am both.

I believe in the right to determine what happens to my body in all instances AND I believe in the right to live with basic human rights. I will support and fight for all “pro-choice” rights including abortion, sexual choice, and the right to die. I will support and fight for all the basic human rights of those living on this earth including the right to shelter, food, medical care and education and justice.

This is my quest!