A linguistic trick of affirming the right to abortion while simultaneously devaluing it.

[passiveporcupine]

71. I agree with you

In this context.

The widespread endorsement of “rare” in context of abortion both produces and reproduces stigma.

Yes, I can see pro-lifers jumping on it as a means to end abortions, because that is what they want to do. But that doesn't mean everyone who is pro-choice means it that way.

But when someone posts a thread poll asking about how you view abortions, and one option is that you would like abortions to be available to all, but rare..., it's not fair to say people choosing that option are promoting the stigma of abortions, when that is not what they personally meant when they chose that option.

The sad part is in today's social framing, there is always a stigma attached to the word abortion, even for those who have to have a life-saving abortion. And the pro-life group being what they are, I also am discouraged that we have to carefully choose our words or they may be misconstrued even by people who we agree with.

Anyway, all I'm trying to say is that I understand why you don't like that term used, but perhaps not everyone should be judged for using it, when they basically feel the same way as you about the right to an abortion. You are attempting to demonize people over a word. Wouldn't it be better just to educate them on why you think maybe that is a poor choice in phrasing, and then let them "choose" to use it or not? I suspect they will at least think about it in future discussions and perhaps choose not to use it.