Staff Reports
In recent months, the abortion debate has undergone a makeover as both pro-life and pro-choice advocates search for new terms to appeal to voters in the lead-up to the 2024 election. According to Axios, activists are seeking fresh messaging, with pro-choice advocates favoring the word “freedom” and pro-lifers going for “baby” or “unborn child.” It seems Americans are no longer resonating with the traditional labels of “pro-life” and “pro-choice” since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
‘Freedom,’ ‘Baby’: Advocates Refine Abortion Messaging As 2024 Election Nears https://t.co/OkgMEwLOZR via @DailyCaller
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Anat Shenker-Osorio, a consultant for Democratic groups and campaigns, believes that using the word “freedom” to advocate for abortion rights could be extraordinarily effective. Democrats are hoping that this new terminology will make people feel like heroes and induce them to join the movement. In a bid to win over moderates, NARAL Pro-Choice America changed its name to “Reproductive Freedom for All” in September. The organization’s president, Mini Timmaraju, believes this new name will provide a clearer and more inclusive path forward.
Republicans, on the other hand, are concerned that the term “pro-life” is now seen as too extreme. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri suggests that not everyone understands the meaning of the term, and advocates and legislators need to be more specific when discussing abortion. Abortion activists have been pushing for constitutional amendments to protect abortion rights in their states, leading to debates with pro-life advocates over the language of the proposed legislation. The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in favor of keeping the term “unborn child” in a proposed amendment despite protests from pro-choice activists who considered it deceiving.
In Florida, Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody has requested that the language of a proposed abortion amendment be changed, as the current form could mislead voters. Moody argues that the term “viability” is problematic since it has multiple definitions, creating confusion among voters. She cites the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, noting that even this pro-choice-aligned organization acknowledges the misrepresentation and misinterpretation of the concept of viability.
As the 2024 election approaches, both sides are trying to find the right words to rally their respective supporters and win over undecided voters. The language used in the abortion debate will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping public opinion and policies surrounding this contentious issue.
