Two opposing rhetorical frames are driving defence of late‑term abortion decriminalisation: one presents women as traumatised 'victims' exempt from responsibility, the other presents them as fully autonomous 'omniscient' decision‑makers. The article shows these frames are logically inconsistent yet both are used to justify the same policy change.
— Recognising this two‑frame pattern clarifies political argumentation around reproductive law and exposes how rhetoric can short‑circuit accountability and evidence in policy debates.
Kathleen Stock
2026.03.27
100% relevant
BPAS’s public defence of the Lords’ vote (decriminalising late‑term abortion) and Ann Furedi’s commentary — plus reported rises in at‑home late‑term terminations and the pills‑by‑post scheme — illustrate the competing 'victim' and 'autonomy' narratives.
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