right to choose

American  

noun

1. the right of a woman to have a legal abortion if she chooses to do so.

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Other Word Forms

• right-to-choose adjective

Etymology

Origin of right to choose

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“Advertisers and their agents have a free-speech right to choose where they want to place their advertisements.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"We should all have the right to choose," she told MSPs.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

"What I want is for the international community to clearly support the fundamental rights of Iranians: the right to choose their leaders, to express themselves freely, to live in dignity and prosperity," she said.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Despite historical flaws in practice, it rests on the foundational claim that individuals have the right to choose their government and hold it accountable.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2026

“She has the right to choose who she wants to marry. That’s none of our business.”

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat