NPR Changes Abortion Language

"NPR News is revising the terms we use to describe people and groups involved in the abortion debate.

This updated policy is aimed at ensuring the words we speak and write are as clear, consistent and neutral as possible. This is important given that written text is such an integral part of our work.

On the air, we should use "abortion rights supporter(s)/advocate(s)" and "abortion rights opponent(s)" or derivations thereof (for example: "advocates of abortion rights"). It is acceptable to use the phrase "anti-abortion", but do not use the term "pro-abortion rights".

I know a lot of people will say "Big deal!" But it is a big deal. Anyone who has studied it knows use of language and how things are worded make a very big difference in how they are viewed. If you're for abortion, you're an "advocate" or "supporter"...if you're against abortion, you're an "opponent." Two of those have positive connotations, one has a negative one, guess which is which.