Why I refuse to use the term "pro-life" [View All]

Most opponents of abortion rights love to label themselves "pro-life."

When talking to opponents of abortion rights, I find that to be about as accurate
as Bush calling himself a "compassionate conservative," when he was neither.

Ask most "pro-life" advocates if they oppose the death penalty and are vegetarian.
99% (or more) of the ones I talk to say "no" on both counts, and see no connection.
They think the death penalty is just fine, and that killing animals for the sole
purpose of eating them is perfectly normal. To me, that stance does not merit the
label "pro-life."

Do they support war or military conflict, or any kind of conflict that could lead
to physical violence? 99% of the ones I talk to say, "yes, of course." To me, that
stance does not merit the label "pro-life."

I say 99% because I can't say for sure if there wasn't one in out of the many whose
views really WERE pro-life, i.e. that they not only opposed abortion, but
opposed the death penalty and war just as vigorously and were strict vegetarians,
as well as environmental activists.

Call yourself "anti-abortion," and I'll believe you. Call yourself "pro-life" and
I'll ask if your name is Frank Luntz, and take your claim of sincerity just
about as seriously, until you convince me otherwise.