Beyond the Binaries, Part 12: Dishonest and Divisive Rhetoric
One of the greatest hinderances to constructive dialogue about abortion is the prevalence of extreme, conversation-stopping rhetoric.
One of the greatest hinderances to constructive dialogue about abortion is the prevalence of extreme, conversation-stopping rhetoric.
While Democrats generally self-identify as “pro-choice,” they also are more likely to advocate for and enact policies that actually reduce abortions. On the other hand, while Republicans generally self-identify as “pro-life,” they generally oppose policies that actually reduce abortions and instead advocate only for the criminalization of abortion.
Bottom Line Up Front: If the goal is reducing abortions, criminalization is impractical, ineffective, and counterproductive.
The purpose and function of criminalization and criminal punishment is the subject of a great deal of debate. At one level, the designation of a…
My point here is to highlight why the questions of life and personhood are such complex and sometimes contradictory issues in the legal system.