Abortion methods History of abortion

an 1845 ad french periodical pills warns against use women might en ciente [sic] ( enceinte french pregnant ).

from 1870 there steady decline in fertility in england, linked not rise in use of artificial contraception more traditional methods such withdrawal , abstinence. linked changes in perception of relative costs of childrearing. of course, women did find unwanted pregnancies. abortifacients discreetly advertised , there considerable body of folklore methods of inducing miscarriages. amongst working-class women violent purgatives popular, pennyroyal, aloes , turpentine used. other methods induce miscarriage hot baths , gin, extreme exertion, controlled fall down flight of stairs, or veterinary medicines. so-called backstreet abortionists common, although bloody efforts fatal. estimates of number of illegal abortions performed in england varied widely: 1 estimate, 100,000 women made efforts procure miscarriage in 1914, drugs.

in new york, surgical abortion in 1800s carried death rate of 30% regardless of hospital setting, ama launched anti-abortion campaign resulted in abortion becoming exclusive domain of doctors . paper published in 1870 on abortion services found in syracuse, new york, concluded method practiced there during time flush inside of uterus injected water. article s author, ely van de warkle, claimed procedure affordable maid, man in town offered $10 on installment plan. other prices 19th-century abortion providers reported have charged more steep. in britain, cost 10 50 guineas, or 5% of yearly income of lower middle class household.

a rash of unexplained miscarriages in sheffield, england attributed lead poisoning caused metal pipes fed city s water supply. soon, women began using diachylon, substance high concentration of lead, abortifacient. in 1898, woman confessed having used diachylon induce miscarriage. use of diachylon became prevalent in english midlands until world war i. criminal investigation of abortionist in calgary, alberta in 1894 revealed through chemical analysis concoction had supplied man seeking abortifacient contained spanish fly.

dr. evelyn fisher wrote of how women living in mining town in wales during 1920s used candles intended roman catholic ceremonies dilate cervix in effort self-induce abortion. similarly, use of candles , other objects, such glass rods, penholders, curling irons, spoons, sticks, knives, , catheters reported during 19th century in united states. women of jewish descent in lower east side, manhattan said have carried ancient indian practice of sitting on pot of steam 20th century. abortion remained dangerous procedure 20th century, more dangerous childbirth until 1930.