The abortion debate refers to the ongoing controversy surrounding the moral and legal status of abortion. The two main groups involved in the abortion debate are the self-described "pro-choice" movement (emphasizing the right of women to choose whether they wish to bring a fetus to term) and the self-described "pro-life" movement (emphasizing the right of the unborn child to be born). Both of these are considered loaded terms in general media where terms such as "abortion rights" or "anti-abortion" are preferred. Each movement has, with varying results, sought to influence public opinion and to attain legal support for its position, with some anti-abortion advocates even going as far as using violence.
Abortion law varies between jurisdictions. For example, in Canada abortion is available to women without any legal restrictions, while in Ireland abortions are illegal except when a woman's life is at imminent risk and Chile bans abortion with no exception for the life of the pregnant woman.
Read more about Abortion Debate: Overview, Terminology, Political Debate, Ethical Debate, Exceptions in Abortion Law
Famous quotes containing the words abortion and/or debate:
“It is always the moralists who do the most harm. Abortion is the logical outcome of civilization, only the jungle gives birth and moulders away as nature decrees. Man plans.”
—Max Frisch (1911–1991)
“What I think the political correctness debate is really about is the power to be able to define. The definers want the power to name. And the defined are now taking that power away from them.”
—Toni Morrison (b. 1931)