Glossary

Pro-life

The position, and movement, that regards unborn human life as deserving legal protection and opposes abortion, with varying views on exceptions.

Also called: anti-abortion, right to life, life movement

Pro-life is the label used by people and groups who believe that a human life begins at or near conception and deserves the protection of law, and therefore oppose most or all abortions. Their opponents are generally called "pro-choice," and each side prefers its own term. News organizations often use "abortion opponents" and "abortion rights supporters" as neutral descriptions.

The American movement grew after Roe v. Wade (1973) and has included the National Right to Life Committee, the March for Life, crisis pregnancy centers, and many churches, particularly Catholic and evangelical. Its supporters hold varying positions on exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, and on emerging issues such as IVF, embryo screening and medication abortion. Many also support adoption, material help for mothers and a "consistent life ethic" that includes opposition to the death penalty or euthanasia.

Pro-life arguments draw on science about fetal development, philosophy and natural law, and religious teaching about the dignity of human life. Opponents argue that decisions about pregnancy belong to the woman, that bans harm health and that exceptions are unworkable. Public opinion is divided and nuanced, with most Americans favoring some restrictions and some access. The movement's goal of overturning Roe was achieved in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, and the debate shifted to states and to measures such as heartbeat laws.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization The 2022 Supreme Court decision holding that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, returning the issue to elected officials. Heartbeat law A state law banning abortion once cardiac activity can be detected in an embryo, generally around six weeks of pregnancy. Hyde Amendment A rider, in place since 1976, that bars federal funds from paying for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother's life. Conscience clause A law protecting individuals and institutions from being forced to take part in activities they find morally or religiously objectionable, often in health care. Natural law The view that there is a moral order discoverable by reason that binds all people and against which human laws can be measured.