Gianna: So, where do you stand on abortion, Polly?
Polly: I am pro-choice, Gianna, you should know that.
Gianna: “Pro-choice,” huh? Why is that?
Polly: I believe women should have the right to choose.
Gianna: I get that, Polly, but to choose what?
Polly: Women should be allowed sexual freedom and expression. If they don’t want a baby, then they shouldn’t be forced into having one.
Gianna: But don’t women know that sex could result in a baby? Don’t they open themselves up to that possibility each time they have sex?
Polly: It’ not a woman’s fault she is stuck with the burden of bearing children. That’s why I am pro-choice, Gianna. It’s so obvious.
Gianna: Yeah, you keep saying that you are “pro-choice.” What is so special about making a choice?
Polly: What do you mean? What kind of question is that?
Gianna: What I mean is, you don’t really stand for everyone to choose any behaviors they want to, right?
Polly: I am not sure. I just think a woman should be allowed to choose whether to give birth. If she doesn’t want to give birth, then she should be allowed the freedom not to.
Gianna: Set aside the issue of abortion a sec, Polly. Does a man have the right to choose to rape a woman?
Polly: No! Of course not.
Gianna: But why not, Polly? I mean, you are “pro-choice,” right?
Polly: No, that’s different.
Gianna: Oh, is it? What if someone chooses to steal your purse today? Should they be allowed to keep it and to go free? I mean, that’s their choice, isn’t it?
Polly: I would never agree stealing and raping are okay to do, Gianna. Don’t be ridiculous.
Gianna: Oh, so then you would agree that some choices are not permissible?
Polly: Yeah, I guess so.
Gianna: Then how can you say you’re “pro-choice” when it comes to abortion, Polly?
Polly: Well, if you take away the reproductive rights for women, then you’re taking away their freedoms, Gianna.
Gianna: Whoa there, Polly. I thought we agreed a man should not have the freedom to choose to commit a rape. By punishing him by law, isn’t that taking away his freedom? If the guy who steals your purse goes to jail, aren’t you taking away his freedom, by your definition?
Polly: So, what do you suggest, Gianna? I can’t give up the thought of women being forced to give birth. I just think they should have the right to choose.
Gianna: And what exactly is it that they are choosing, Polly?
Polly: What?
Gianna: What do you say all women should be allowed to choose? This whole time, I have yet to hear you be honest as to what you are advocating women be allowed to do.
Polly: No, I am being honest when I say I am pro-choice.
Gianna: “Pro-choice?” So you’re for being able to choose what, exactly?
Polly: Abortion, Gianna, obviously.
Gianna: Right, and what is an abortion, Polly?
Polly: The termination of a pregnancy.
Gianna: There you go with more euphemisms, Polly. Do you know that an abortion is the purposeful dismemberment of a human being? If early enough in the pregnancy, the babies are sucked through a vacuum tube and their body parts are torn into pieces. And if it’s later in the pregnancy, the baby’s body parts are torn off, piece by piece. You knew that, right?
Polly: I don’t know what to say.
Gianna: I can show you photos, if you want, Polly. But this is what you are saying, my friend. You are saying you’re supportive of women having the legal right to choose to do that to another human being.
Polly: I… I… Maybe I need to rethink my position.
Gianna: Yeah, I would say so. Just as we agree no one has the right to choose to rape, to steal, or to commit any other crimes against you, neither should they have the right to murder anyone, especially a preborn child.
Polly: Yeah, I guess I can see your point.
Gianna: Yeah, my friend. There’s nothing special about making choices in themselves. Being able to choose the good, now that’s true freedom.
Polly: Okay, I follow you.
YOUR TURN
What are your thoughts on the term “pro-choice?”
Are you aware Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, has long ago abandoned that term?
