pro-choice
2 synonyms and 2 antonyms for pro-choice, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Supporting the position that a pregnant person, rather than the state, should decide whether to continue a pregnancy, and that abortion should be legally available.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
pro-abortion-rights
pro-reproductive-rights
Antonyms
pro-life
anti-abortion
How to use pro-choice
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pro-choice movement
pro-choice activist
pro-choice legislation
identify as pro-choice
Both pro-choice and pro-life are movement self-descriptions, so news organisations often prefer the neutral phrasings 'abortion rights supporters' and 'abortion opponents' in reporting.
Etymology
From pro-, from Latin pro meaning 'in favour of', plus choice; formed as a movement label in parallel with pro-life.
Full origin of pro-choice →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pro-choice and pro-life?
Pro-choice holds that the decision about continuing a pregnancy belongs to the pregnant person and that abortion should be legal. Pro-life holds that the embryo or foetus has a right to life that the law should protect, and that abortion should be restricted or banned. Each label was chosen by the movement it describes.
Is pro-choice the same as pro-abortion?
No, and pro-choice campaigners reject the equation. Pro-choice is a position on who has the legal authority to decide; it is compatible with personal moral objections to abortion. Pro-abortion would imply advocating abortion as an outcome, which is not what the movement argues for.
Why do journalists avoid the terms pro-choice and pro-life?
Because both are advocacy labels designed to frame the debate favourably, and using them lets one side define the terms. Style guides at several major news agencies recommend descriptive alternatives such as 'supports abortion rights' and 'opposes abortion'.
