Ask the experts: Can you explain the terms “pro-choice” and “pro-life”?

Dear jamika,

Good question. People who are pro-choice believe that women have the 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 and often call themselves pro-life. Many people who are anti-choice do not believe that women 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. They 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.

In the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, the Supreme Court ruled that a woman’s right to choose is protected by the Constitution, making abortion legal in the United States.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.