What Does Pro-Choice Mean to You?

To be pro-choice is to support self-determination to make decisions free from judgment.

Pro-Choice is the responsibility to yourself and the freedom to decide to take control of your own life process.

Pro-Choice is not just about reproduction but the freedom to decide your life course with the support and respect of others. It represents power and pride in self.

We feel pro-choice is a complex process - it's not just about abortion, but about birth control, or having a child - it's about all reproductive choices. It's access to information we need, can gather and understand, and can reach our own decisions without interference. And it's about who makes the final decision, not a judge or the government, but the woman. It's about having options and celebrating freedom.

Pro-Choice represents a respectful climate in which all individuals and families have the ability to take responsibility for their own reproductive destiny.

Pro-Choice is an ideology that supports the right to make a decision and support the decision itself.

Pro-Choice is the ability to make your own life choices not only about reproductive freedom but also the right to choose our own individuality and how to conduct our lives.

Pro-Choice is the freedom to do what you want to do with your body, respecting other women's choices, then remaining pro-active to keep choices legal.

Pro-Choice is having the power and knowledge to pursue and achieve spiritual, physical, emotional, mental and reproductive freedom.

The above definitions were crafted at the staff retreat of Feminist Women's Health Center in October 2002.

Following are more from women who obtained abortion services at our clinics or sent by website visitors:

What does pro-choice mean to you?

Pro-choice means you decide. I don't decide for you, you don't decide for me.

I don't believe in letting anyone make important decisions for me - no one can tell me when it's time for me to be a mom or create a life.

Want to share your view? Send it to us in email.

Learn more at RH Reality Check.

page update August 4, 2010

We want to hear from you -- send us your definition of "Pro-Choice."

Feminist Women's Health Center