When the New York Times reported on the Louisiana’s new abortion ban last week, the reporter decided to switch out the term "fetal heartbeat" for “embryonic pulsing," a clear attempt at downplaying the horrors of abortion.
“The measure would require an ultrasound test for any woman seeking to terminate a pregnancy, and forbid abortion if the test detects embryonic pulsing — which can occur before many women know they are pregnant,” reporter Alan Blinder wrote.
According to Rachel Stoltzfoos at the Daily Caller, this isn't the first time the media has chosen terminology to dehumanize the issue of abortion. NPR actually put out a style guide instructing reporters to stick with Planned Parenthood talking points and avoid anything that can be construed as "pro-life."
NPR's guidelines are as follows:
ABORTION PROCEDURES & TERMINOLOGY: Use the term intact dilation and extraction to describe the procedure, or a procedure known medically as intact dilation and extraction; opponents call it partial-birth abortion. On the latter, it is necessary to point out that the term partial-birth is used by those opposed to the procedure; simply using the phrase so-called partial birth abortion is not sufficient without explaining who's calling it that. Partial-birth is not a medical term and has no exact parallel in medical terminology; intact dilation and extraction is the closest description. Also, it is not correct to call these procedures RARE — it is not known how often they are performed. Nor is it accurate to use the phrase LATE TERM ABORTION. Though we initially believed this term carried less ideological baggage when compared with partial-birth, it still conveys the sense that the fetus is viable when the abortion is performed. It gives the impression that the abortion takes place in the 8th or 9th month. In fact, the procedure called intact dilation and extraction is performed most often in the 5th or 6th month — the second trimester — and the second trimester is not considered "late" pregnancy. Thus "late term" is not appropriate. As an alternative, call it a certain procedure performed after the first trimester of pregnancy and, subsequently, the procedure.... Also note:
NPR doesn't use the term "abortion clinics." We say instead, "medical or health clinics that perform abortions." The point is to not to use abortion before the word clinic. The clinics perform other procedures and not just abortions.
Do not refer to murdered Dr George Tiller as an "Abortion Doctor." Instead we should say Tiller operated a clinic where abortions are performed. We can also make reference to the fact that Tiller was a doctor who performed late abortions.
Here's some additional guidance from Joe Neel, regarding the Unborn Victims of Violence Act:
The term "unborn" implies that there is a baby inside a pregnant woman, not a fetus. Babies are not babies until they are born. They're fetuses. Incorrectly calling a fetus a "baby" or "the unborn" is part of the strategy used by antiabortion groups to shift language/legality/public opinion. Use "unborn" only when referring to the title of the bill (and after President Bush signs it, the Unborn Victims of Violence Law). Or qualify the use of "unborn" by saying "what anti-abortion groups call the 'unborn' victims of violence." The most neutral language to refer to the death of a fetus during a crime is "fetal homicide."
ABORTION RIGHTS:
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 rights," but do not use the term "pro-abortion rights". Digital News will continue to use the AP style book for online content, which mirrors the revised NPR policy. Do not use "pro-life" and "pro-choice" in copy except when used in the name of a group. Of course, when the terms are used in an actuality they should remain.
We've always known that the mainstream, legacy media has been in the Left's back pocket. We've always known that they've advocated for issues that are important to Democrats and progressives alike. What's absolutely mind boggling is how these so-called reporters can mask their political activism as journalism. You're an opponent of abortion? Fine. So be it. But call the procedures what they are. The only reason you're not is because it's bothering your conscience. It means you know it's wrong and yet you continually advocate for abortions to be legal on all fronts, with no restrictions.
The fact that the mainstream media has to put together stupid guidelines like this means that they know – without a doubt – that killing an unborn baby is wrong. They're trying to downplay what they're saying as a means of justifying things for themselves.
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