** We choose to avoid the terms "pro-choice" and "pro-life" in referring to people's views on abortion. We consider those terms politically loaded. A person who supports allowing women to choose whether to have an abortion can be called an abortion-rights advocate or a proponent of abortion rights. A person who opposes abortion can be referred to as an abortion opponent (or "foe," in a tight-count headline) or as anti-abortion. Of course, we can use those terms in direct quotes. ** Do not use long, false titles in front of a name. Here is an EXAGGERATED example based on a real story: Prominent North Carolina rest home operator and political heavyweight A. Steven Pierce ... Use such descriptive titles in apposition: A. Steven Pierce, a well-known North Carolina businessman and former lobbyist, ... (Please note that I am using a fanciful example. The real story as it appeared on today's 1A used the description in the lead without the name. That is acceptable.) The New York Times is strict about this style point -- more so than we are. The Times' stylebook calls for putting all descriptive titles in apposition. We say only that LONG descriptive titles should be put in apposition. The rule of thumb is 3 or more words. -- Pam Nelson Day news editor The News & Observer 215 S. McDowell St. Raleigh, NC 27602 (919) 829-4619 toll free: (800) 365-6115 fax: (919) 829-4529