Democrats Scrambling To Message On Abortion Urge Each Other To Stop Saying ‘Choice,’ Discussing Coat Hangers

Democrats scrambling to address the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade are urging one another to stop using the word “choice” or references to coat hangers in their messaging.

Messaging materials sent from the Pro-Choice Caucus to House Democrats on Roe v. Wade list language deemed “harmful” in abortion messaging, Politico reported. The caucus is led by Colorado Rep. Dianna DeGette and California Rep. Barbara Lee.

Rather than saying “choice,” the messaging suggests Democrats say, “decision.” Rather than using the phrasing “reduce abortion” or “safe legal and rare,” use “safe, legal, and accessible,” the messaging says.

Say “unexpected pregnancy” rather than “unwanted pregnancy,” the messaging guide suggests, and rather than citing “conscience clause” or “conscience protections,” apparently when referring to Americans who object to performing or providing abortions for religious reasons, Democrats were instructed to say “refusal of care” or “denial of care.”

NEW: The Pro Choice Caucus has just sent out messaging materials to House Dems on Roe draft.

One of the recommendations: Don’t use “choice.” pic.twitter.com/nqVA8W1nWT

— Sarah Ferris (@sarahnferris) May 12, 2022

The messaging, which also urges Democrats to avoid “back alley abortions” or “coat hangers” references, and instead use the phrase “criminalizing healthcare,” comes amid demonstrations in front of the private residences of Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, John Roberts, and Samuel Alito over the past week since the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion showing that the court is likely preparing to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Protests also took place outside the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., in Los Angeles (where protestors violently clashed with police) and in New York City.

Many of the demonstrators who have joined protests as of late carry signs depicting coat hangers and warning that women will have to obtain back alley abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

Politico reported that some Democrats have privately expressed concerns about revamping Democratic messaging on abortion during such a pivotal moment (ahead of the Roe v. Wade decision, which some expect Monday).

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