Turning point in abortion legislation History of abortion

the feminist stella browne major figure in campaign liberalization of abortion law.

abortifacient advertising highly effective in united states, though apparently less across atlantic. contemporary estimates of mid-19th century abortion rates in united states suggest between 20% - 25% of pregnancies in united states during era ended in abortion. era saw marked shift in obtaining abortions. before start of 19th century, abortions sought unmarried women had become pregnant out of wedlock. but, out of 54 abortion cases published in american medical journals between 1839 , 1880, on half sought married women, , of married women on 60 percent had @ least 1 child. in post-civil war era, of blame placed on burgeoning women s rights movement.

many feminists of era opposed abortion. in revolution, operated elizabeth cady stanton , susan b. anthony, anonymous contributor signing wrote in 1869 subject, arguing instead of merely attempting pass law against abortion, root cause must addressed. passing anti-abortion law would, writer stated, mowing off top of noxious weed, while root remains. [...] no matter motive, love of ease, or desire save suffering unborn innocent, woman awfully guilty commits deed. burden conscience in life, burden soul in death; oh! thrice guilty drove desperation impelled crime. many feminists of era, abortion regarded undesirable necessity forced upon women thoughtless men. free love wing of feminist movement refused advocate abortion , treated practice example of hideous extremes modern marriage driving women. marital rape , seduction of unmarried women societal ills feminists believed caused need abort, men did not respect women s right abstinence.