Debunking Abortion: Safe, Legal and Rare

In 1993, the phrase “safe, legal and rare” became a slogan for what was presented as a reasonable, common-sense compromise in order to maintain legalized abortions while recognizing that it shouldn’t be the first response to an unplanned pregnancy. Now, fast forward a few decades and the “safe, legal and rare” slogan has been all but buried by pro-choice advocates in favor of a much more in-your-face shouts for abortion on demand. As drastic as this shift may seem, the specter of the “safe, legal and rare” still appears in the shadows of many modern pro-choice arguments when the issue is pressed, even as the push to “destigmatize” abortion gets louder and louder. So, why the change from seeking to be seen as reasonable to loud and proud and why does this this apparently outdated slogan keep getting redressed and brought back out when it’s convenient?