We Asked, You Answered: Responding to Pro-Choicers Who Say They Wish They’d Been Aborted
We asked our followers on social media: “You’re debating abortion with a stranger online when he says ‘Well, I wish I’d been aborted.’ How do you respond?” Here are a few of the top responses, lightly edited for clarity:
Beth S.: “I felt that way when my depression was at its worst. I stopped feeling that way when I got back on medication, got sober, and started therapy. Thankfully, our worth and value of life is not dependent on feelings.”
Jen: “I’m glad you weren’t. You are a valuable addition to the world, and despite the fact we strongly disagree on this issue, it is good that you’re here to present your point of view.”
Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising: “If you need help, dial #988 in the US.”
Kelly F.: “I share the suicide hotline number, 988. Most likely they’re just looking for a fight. A fight I can ignore. But just in case they’re serious, the hotline has trained professionals.”
Make Abortion History: “I point out their performative contradiction in as polite a manner as possible. The fact that they remain existing despite claiming that they wish to have had their existence ended is a contradiction in their acts and words.”
Mel: “I have it easy. My answer always is, I am glad my mom chose adoption over abortion.”
Janie C.: “You respond with empathy and ask if there is anything you can do for this person. This isn’t about abortion — this is about depression and suicidal ideation.”
Genevieve J.: “There is nothing stopping you now from your own self-determination. But no one else gets to make that decision for you, and you most certainly don’t have any right to make it for anyone else.”
Amy W.: “‘Well, I am so thankful you weren’t.’ And then ask why he feels that way.”
John: “Certainly not by responding with ‘I wish you’d been aborted too!’ I’ve seen not too bright pro-lifers respond this way.”
Pro-Life Texan: “I’m sorry you feel that way but I’m glad you weren’t because your life has value and meaning.”
LoriAnn W.: “Time to change the track of the discussion, because this person clearly has some other things they need to talk about and work through. Assuming they’re not just trying to shock you, there’s some deep hurt there that needs to be addressed on a personal level before any more or any productive discussion can be had on the pro-life front.”
Cassandra B.: “That’s the thing — you can still abort your body whenever you like, because it’s your own body and you have control over it. I have reservations about you aborting anyone else’s body, though, because it isn’t yours. Make all the choices you want, until the choice is about a body that does not belong to you.”
Kristin F.: “Assuming they have said nothing else that’s wishing death on themselves, I wouldn’t chase it. To me this sounds like a red herring logic fallacy designed to take the conversation away from the topic at hand to them. It’s a way to divert conversation when they likely don’t have a better argument to respond with.”
