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America's first abortion regulation
Connecticut made abortion a criminal offense by making poisons that promised the induction of abortions illegal. The regulation was not primarily focused on preventing abortions, however, it was made to keep women safe from the poison harming them. -
Comstock Act enacted
This act prevented the U.S. Postal Service from sending parcels containing contraceptives, abortifacients, and anything with information related to sex. This prevented people from both using and learning more about abortion, safe sex, and the use of contraceptives. -
Abortion allowed within reason
The American Medical Association supports statues that allow abortion if approved by 1+ physician and is needed to save the mother's life. The first liberal statues that gave women more freedom with abortions. -
Society for Human Abortion made
This group went against the Comstock Act and public disapproval by sharing information with the public about contraceptives and abortions. A win for pro-lifers because it prevented the topic from even being discussed, however allowed for misinformation that could lead to unsafe choices. -
Abortion classified as felony
In 49 out of the 50 states, abortion is considered as a felony. This was a win for pro-lifers because the serious charge worked as a deterrent for women. However, this just meant that abortions had to become more hidden to avoid being detected by the law. -
Hawaii is first state to allow abortion before 20 weeks
Hawaii was the first state to decriminalize abortion and all requirements previously required for the procedure were removed, as long as it was done by a licensed physician in an accredited hospital. A very liberal/pro-choice ruling because of the small amounts of restricitions. -
Roe v. Wade
This landmark Supreme Court case guarantees women the right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restrictions. Commonly cited as the decision that gives pro-choicers a voice. -
Comstock Act Repealed
This act was repealed in the Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut. This allows for information to be spread about safe sex so both parties/sides can become better educated on the topic. -
Doe v. Bolton
The same day, the Supreme Court overturns a Georgia law that required women to consult with three separate physicians before being approved for an abortion. A win for pro-choicers as it prevented unnecessary restrictions on abortion. -
Bellotti v. Baird
A Supreme Court case that allowed minors to obtain an abortion without parental notification or consent. A less commonly talked about part of abortions. -
webster vs. reproductive health services
This Supreme Court ruling cut back at Roe v. Wade by adding more restrictions on when abortions could and could not be done. A win for pro-lifers because they could limit more abortions. -
planned parenthood vs. casey
A ruling that upheld Roe v. Wade but allowed for more restrictions on abortion in the first trimester. Was somewhat of a win for both sides, a compromise.
