Pro-life

Definition

The pro-life position is the belief that abortion is morally wrong and should be legally restricted or prohibited. It is a stance that advocates for the protection of the life of the unborn fetus, often from the moment of conception, and opposes the legalization of abortion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pro-life movement believes that the fetus has a fundamental right to life that should be protected by law.
2. Pro-life advocates often argue that abortion is the unjust killing of an innocent human being and a violation of the fetus's human rights.
3. The pro-life movement supports policies and legislation that aim to restrict or ban abortion, such as mandatory waiting periods, parental consent laws, and bans on certain abortion procedures.
4. Many pro-life organizations and activists engage in efforts to provide alternatives to abortion, such as promoting adoption and supporting crisis pregnancy centers.
5. The pro-life position is often associated with conservative and religious political and social movements, though there are also some pro-life advocates who hold liberal or progressive views on other issues.

Review Questions

• Explain the core beliefs and goals of the pro-life movement.
  • The pro-life movement believes that the fetus has a fundamental right to life that should be protected by law. They argue that abortion is the unjust killing of an innocent human being and a violation of the fetus's human rights. The primary goal of the pro-life movement is to restrict or ban abortion through policies and legislation, such as mandatory waiting periods, parental consent laws, and bans on certain abortion procedures. They also often promote alternatives to abortion, such as adoption and crisis pregnancy centers.
• Describe the historical context and significance of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case in relation to the pro-life movement.
  • The 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case established a constitutional right to abortion in the United States, a landmark decision that was a major setback for the pro-life movement. The pro-life movement has since worked to overturn or undermine Roe v. Wade through various legislative and legal efforts, as they believe the decision was wrongly decided and that the fetus has a fundamental right to life that should be protected. The ongoing debate and legal battles surrounding Roe v. Wade have been a central focus of the pro-life movement's political and social activism.
• Analyze the relationship between the pro-life position and other political and social movements, and how this shapes the broader societal debate on abortion.
  • The pro-life position is often associated with conservative and religious political and social movements, as many of their core beliefs align with traditional values and opposition to abortion. However, there are also some pro-life advocates who hold liberal or progressive views on other issues. This complex relationship between the pro-life movement and other political and social movements has contributed to the highly polarized and divisive nature of the broader societal debate on abortion. The pro-life movement's efforts to restrict or ban abortion are frequently met with strong opposition from those who support abortion rights, leading to ongoing legal, political, and cultural battles over the issue.

Related terms

Abortion: The intentional termination of a pregnancy, resulting in the death of the fetus.

Fetus: The unborn offspring in the human uterus from the end of the eighth week of pregnancy until birth.

Roe v. Wade:

The landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that established a constitutional right to abortion in the United States.