Recently, I have noticed a trend among young pro-abortion advocates that is concerning. They have set their sights on changing the definition of abortion. By making subtle changes, they seek to dramatically broaden the definition and application of the word. If successful, this linguistic attack would pose significant threats to the unborn and their mothers by blurring the lines between abortion and legitimate medical care.
Abortion is correctly defined by the American Academy of Pro-Life OBGYNs as “any drug, device, or procedure used to ensure the death of the human being in utero before, during, or in the process of separation of the mother and her embryo or fetus.”
Within the broad national conversation on abortion, the colloquial version of this definition has been more or less accepted. We all know that a cesarean section is not an abortion. We all know a miscarriage is not an abortion. When legislation is debated in the public square, we all operate under this common understanding.
So what, then, are abortion advocates trying to change? They want to broaden the understanding of abortion to include any procedure that ends pregnancy. This was on display in a viral video featured on the Jubilee YouTube page, where a young abortion advocate debated Ben Shapiro and claimed that cesarean sections are abortions. However, this strategy is not limited only to younger pro-abortion advocates.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) policy on abortion states, “People should be able to access abortion care where and when they need it, including for such purposes as abortion care, miscarriage management, and perinatal palliative care.” [emphasis added]
ACOG has tragically become a shameless promoter of abortion. Now, they claim that caring for a woman who has had a miscarriage is “abortion care.” Equally sinister is the claim that perinatal palliative care falls under the umbrella of abortion.
Broadening the scope of the word “abortion” to include non-abortions is dangerous to mothers and their babies.
Take, for example, a woman who lives in a state with strong pro-life protections. If she is told that her
state has outlawed abortion and that abortion includes miscarriage care, she may be misled into believing that miscarriage care is not legal. Often perception becomes reality, and if women believe they cannot legally access legitimate medical care the consequences could prove devastating.
In addition, this shifting of definitions could impact existing legislation, causing confusion and litigation. Women and their babies deserve to be told the truth. Changing the definitions of words does them a great disservice by muddying the waters of legitimate medical care.
Protecting LIFE,
Brad Mattes,
President, Life Issues Institute
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