One of the famous phrases that Planned Parenthood uses is “reproductive rights.” A lot of the time, one of the “reproductive rights” they’re referring to is abortion. As a lover of science and embryology, if I don’t first laugh at this, I certainly get disappointed and frustrated.
What is a reproductive right? Presumably, by the name, a reproductive right is the right to reproduce. And what is
However, abortion is not a reproductive right. Why? Because by the time an abortion happens, reproduction has already taken place. I am not trying to limit how many children a mother has. As a matter of fact, I encourage everyone to bring as many wonderful children into the world as a husband and wife can. I would never support any legislation forcing mothers to have children. The fact that I believe that a mother should not be able to kill her child does not control how many times she can reproduce; it just means that she should not be able to kill the children which she has already reproduced.
I’m not saying this because I’m against abortion; I’m saying this because I find it important to be literate of modern science. Even if you’re pro-choice, you shouldn’t use unscientific terms in order to further your cause. Anyone, no matter what his or her stance is, should embrace science and what it teaches. To say that abortion has anything to do with reproduction is scientifically inaccurate. Furthermore, if you use the term “reproductive right” whenever talking about abortion to somebody who is well-versed in embryology, you will look very ignorant and lose your credibility, as science has no place for emotion.
These conversations are important ones to have; make sure if you have them, you’re providing facts, not spewing out emotional rhetoric in a science-based conversation.
Jacob is a sophomore studying pre-law at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you think of scientific discussion? Let Jacob know by tweeting him @JacobHoback.
