Do you have to be pro-choice to be considered a feminist?

Question

I consider myself a feminist but do not believe abortion should be allowed post three months of conception . . .? This is not a debate about abortion . . . but rather do you have to endorse Roe V. Wade to include yourself in the feminist movement?

Answer 1

Abortion is a contentious issue among feminists as among other groups, with every range of opinion represented.

However, many feminists would take the view that if you believe in equal rights and equal responsibilities, the place that starts is by enabling people to have the right to integrity of their own body, and trusting them to make the decisions they need, and take the consequences of those decisions.

With that in mind, and a fair whack of life experience under my belt, I know that no law or rule about abortion can cover the myriad situations in which people find themselves, and it's important to allow them to make a dedcision like this based on their own individual circumstances and situations.

Most countries have a 'limit' beyond which abortion is not allowable, and these limits generally reflect the community consensus, but in countries such as Canada where NO limits apply, there are no more later abortions than anywhere else.

And it is especially worth noting that late term abortions are almost always performed for serious medical reasons which involve the death of the mother or child.

The notion that women have abortions for 'fun' or as an alternative to a simple pill once a day are deeply insulting to most women, and are in fact, untrue propaganda in line with the other untruths of the very anti-women anti-choice crowd.

Being pro-choice is NOT the same as being pro-abortion. Being pro-choice is about saying "I trust women to make the best decision possible for their own circumstances and situation, with the support and advice of those they choose to act as counsellors".

In that regard, yes, I do think it's important for feminists to have that basic trust in other women. Your views about the act or process of abortion are actually a separate matter, in my view.

Best wishes :-)

Answer 2

No, feminists believe in equal rights for women.  That's it.  That's all you have to do to be a feminist.

Answer 3

Not necessarily but logically yes, you should be pro-choice. Because being pro-choice is NOT supporting abortion, it is supporting a right, the right that allows women what she'll do with her body.

Answer 4

Personally I wouldn't consider anyone completely pro-life to be a feminist, as I believe access to abortion is one way of ensuring more equal rights. However, I do think abortions later than what you say (12 weeks) have to be judged carefully - in some cases I would still agree with it, but I think women should have made their minds up by this stage.

Answer 5

No. There is an ogranization called Feminists for Life

http://www.feministsforlife.org/

Sarah Palin, the presumptive Republican Vice Presidential candidate, is a member.  

Answer 6

I don't think many feminists are in favour of abortion beyond that period, except in extreme circumstances.

Answer 7

No, you don't. Check out Feminists for Life of America"s website:

http://www.feministsforlife.org/

Answer 8

There is no rule book-you can call yourself a feminist and believe what you like. Most feminists are pro-choice, but not all.  

Answer 9

Thats a "where is the line?" issue...I consider myself pro choice but I'm against third trimester abortions.

Still consider myself a feminist.