Semantics of the Abortion Debate

Orators, authors, and advertisers all take into account the emotional quality of words. This is particularly true in the cultural debate of ideas including the abortion controversy. Each side refers to itself by one name and the opposition uses another. Are supporters of legal abortion pro-abortion or pro-choice? Are those who oppose abortion anti-abortion, abortion foes, or pro-life? What is the difference and how do these terms shape the debate?