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Some of the Major Themes in Discussions

Moral and religious arguments

Scientific justifications

Legal and political advocacy

Personal Narratives

Debate with Pro-Choice members

This reddit post presents a rhetorical question that draws on the concept of heartbeat being the indicator for when life is considered dead or alive. Upon further inspection this quote does not seem to be related to any specific individual, but is more commonly used by pro-life advocates, often in online forums (refer to comments below), to draw attention to the fact that there is a seemingly inconsistency in how life is defined both legally and morally.

To analyze this question we have to explore when death is considered death and how it compares to the pro-life argument that life begins at the first detectable heartbeat. In modern medicine, death is not determined by a heartbeat alone. This is instead known as clinical death, where the condition can be reversed. However, The widely accepted medical and legal definition of death is the "total and irreversible loss of functioning of the whole brain" (Bernat, Culver & Gert, 1981), also known as brain death.

This analogy is therefore flawed: if brain function is required to determine death, according to the main standard, then shouldn't brain function also be required to determine life? The fetal brain does not begin significant development until later in the pregnancy (around 22-24 weeks).

Some Reddit users who identify as pro-life have recongized this inconsistency and wants to distance themselves from this analogy, arguing that it can weaken their position when advocating for their cause.

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A Pro-Life organization typically focuses on themes that emphasize the sanctity of human life, particularly regarding abortion, euthanasia, and bioethical issues. Here are some key themes such organizations often promote:

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A Pro-Life organization typically focuses on themes that emphasize the sanctity of human life, particularly regarding abortion, euthanasia, and bioethical issues. Here are some key themes such organizations often promote:

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1. Sanctity of Life – Belief that human life is sacred from conception to natural death.

2. Fetal Rights – Advocacy for the rights of unborn children, emphasizing their humanity and personhood.

3. Alternatives to Abortion – Support for adoption, parenting resources, and crisis pregnancy centers.

4. Support for Mothers – Providing emotional, financial, and medical assistance to pregnant women.

5. Opposition to Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide – Promotion of palliative care and respect for life at all stages.

6. Religious & Ethical Perspectives – Many Pro-Life groups base their beliefs on religious or moral principles.

7. Scientific & Medical Arguments – Use of fetal development science to argue against abortion.

8. Legislative & Legal Advocacy – Lobbying for laws that protect life and restrict abortion access.

9. Education & Awareness – Spreading information about the effects of abortion and life-affirming choices.

10. Post-Abortion Healing – Support programs for women and men affected by past abortions.

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r/prolife

Upon further investigating, the general demographic is a mix of religious, secular and libertarian pro-lifers. A common practice is to add a tag to their user such as "Pro Life feminists," "Pro Life Atheist," "Pro Life Christian," "Mormon Conservative Gen Z Pro-lifer," "Reasonable Pro Choice" and so on to show their stance in discussions, without having to make it clear.

r/prolife encourages debate and argument based engagement, as stated in paragraph 7 in the community rules "Attack the ideology, and not the person who holds it."

Many posts are structured as ethical dilemmas, genuine questions for pro-choice activists, logical syllogisms or scientific arguments, attempting to provide rational justifications for pro-life stances. An example of this would be the discussion of if a life is declared dead when the heartbeat stops, shouldn't the heartbeat also determine when a life begins.

Reddit threads frequently attract pro-choice users who are able to challenge pro-life arguments, leading to a defensive dynamic where both sides wishes to defend their view. To avoid pro-choice advocacy and make the playing feel as fair as possible, the community has strict rules against any form of pro-choice advocacy, as stated in paragraph 2 of their rules. This allows for general discussion, but provides the pro-life community with a moderated platform.

Reddit functions as a debate hub, and emphasizes logical reasoning and engagement with opposing views. Common stances are usually:

Natural rights Theory -> Born humans have certain rights.

Utilitarianism -> The most ethical choice is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

Determinism -> Life begins at conception based on embryology.

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These narratives aim to persuade, mobilize, and advocate against abortion, euthanasia, and other life-ending practices. Here are the key narratives commonly used:

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These narratives aim to persuade, mobilize, and advocate against abortion, euthanasia, and other life-ending practices. Here are the key narratives commonly used:

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Emphasizes that life begins at conception and every human has inherent dignity.

Often references religious or philosophical arguments that all life is sacred.

Example: "Every unborn child is a unique, irreplaceable human being with a right to life."

Uses medical and scientific evidence to argue that an unborn child is a living human being.

Highlights milestones like the heartbeat at 6 weeks, brain activity, and the ability to feel pain.

Example: "A baby’s heart starts beating just 18 days after conception—life is undeniable."

Counters the idea that abortion is necessary for women’s rights.

Promotes alternatives like adoption, crisis pregnancy centers, and social support for mothers.

Example: "Women deserve better than abortion. Let's empower them with real choices."

Highlights stories of women who regret their abortions.

Discusses potential physical and emotional consequences of abortion.

Example: "Many women suffer silently after abortion—let’s offer healing, not harm."

Frames abortion as a human rights issue, comparing it to past injustices like slavery or genocide.

Appeals to universal ethical principles beyond religion.

Example: "If all human beings have rights, why exclude the unborn?"

Encourages fathers to take responsibility and be involved in protecting life.

Advocates for strong family structures to support mothers.

Example: "Fatherhood begins at conception. Stand up for your child’s life."

Draws on Christian, Catholic, or other religious teachings to oppose abortion.

Encourages faith-based communities to take action.

Example: "God created life in His image—who are we to end it?"

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A pro-life organization believes that life begins at conception and works to protect unborn babies. However, it must follow ethical guidelines to ensure fairness and respect for all people.

Not everyone agrees with the pro-life position. It is important to have respectful discussions and listen to different viewpoints without judgment or aggression.

The organization should share accurate and truthful information about pregnancy, abortion, and alternatives. Using false or misleading information can harm trust and credibility.

Many women facing unplanned pregnancies need help. A pro-life group should offer support, such as counseling, medical care, and financial assistance, rather than just opposing abortion.

Ethical pro-life advocacy means avoiding violence, threats, or harassment. Protests and campaigns should be peaceful and lawful.

Women seeking advice or help should have their privacy respected. Personal information must be kept confidential to protect their dignity and safety.

A pro-life organization should show kindness to all people, including pregnant women, families, and even those who support abortion rights. Treating others with love and understanding makes a real difference.

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A syllogism is a form of logical reasoning where the conclusion is gotten from two general statements which then leads to a more particular statement.

This syllogism is logically valid, but one of the statements (2) is one of the most debated points where the pro-life and pro-choice community tend to diverge. Unless both of them are accepted as true, the syllogism can be seen as a fallacy depending on the viewer's perspective.

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Online communities provide a fascinating ground for study when exploring how the boundaries of human interaction are being pushed and reshaped by the digital era.

Reddit is a platform that allows for pseudonymous interaction, essentially giving users a sense of anonymity which often leads to a candid and upright discussion. This provides the users with a platform for sharing personal experiences, strong opinions, and engage in debates without fear of social repercussions.

The community observed on Reddit is as following:

r/prolife (~57K members) – "A place for Pro-Lifers of all

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This is a non-Participant online ethnographic study examining how pro-life communities on Reddit engage in discourse, use their values to shape their collective identity, and how they interact with opposing views.

We will collect the data by essentially observing, analysing the content, identify emotions and the rhetorical strategies used to engage in the Pro-life communities and discussions. As for our research question, it is as following:

How do pro-life communities on Reddit construct their rationale and validate their arguments?