Pro-life

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Pro-life movement is a social and political movement in the United States that opposes abortion and similar procedures, arguing that human life begins at conception and that a human fetus is a person with a right to life. The movement is associated with several religious groups, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, and has influenced certain political parties, especially the Republican Party.

History[edit | edit source]

The pro-life movement began in the mid-20th century as a response to the liberalization of abortion laws in various countries. The term "pro-life" was adopted in the United States in the late 1970s as a response to the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Beliefs and goals[edit | edit source]

Pro-life advocates believe that human life begins at conception and that a human fetus is a person with a right to life. They argue that abortion is morally wrong and should be illegal, except in certain cases such as when the mother's life is in danger. Some pro-life advocates also oppose euthanasia, capital punishment, and war, although these positions are not universally held within the movement.

The primary goal of the pro-life movement is to overturn Roe v. Wade and make abortion illegal or significantly more restricted in the United States. Pro-life advocates also aim to promote alternatives to abortion, such as adoption and parenting, and to provide support for women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Tactics and strategies[edit | edit source]

The pro-life movement uses a variety of tactics and strategies to achieve its goals. These include political lobbying, public demonstrations, and the establishment of crisis pregnancy centers. Some pro-life advocates also engage in direct action, such as blockading abortion clinics or harassing their staff and patients, although these tactics are controversial and have been criticized as violent or coercive.

Criticism and controversy[edit | edit source]

The pro-life movement has been criticized for its tactics, its views on women's rights, and its impact on public health. Critics argue that the movement's opposition to abortion restricts women's reproductive rights and autonomy, and that its tactics can be harassing or violent. The movement has also been criticized for its stance on contraception, which some argue contributes to unplanned pregnancies and abortions.

See also[edit | edit source]

Pro-life Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD