The struggle in the abortion debate is, in many ways, a struggle over language. In recent years abortion-rights supporters moved from using neutral language like “autonomy” and “choice” toward using positive, stigma-defying language. Groups like Planned Parenthood now speak about “abortion care.” Oprah profiled activists who urge people to #ShoutYourAbortion. Billboards erected by abortion-rights supporters proudly say that abortion is a “family value.”Defying stigma is one thing. But the stakes of this debate are never higher than when we decide on language to describe the object of abortion.

Source: New York Times January 10, 2019 00:38 UTC