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Abortions are seen as socially unacceptable
1776-1850s
Having an abortion was not technically illegal in most states but it was seen to be socially unacceptable to rid an embryo/fetus from the female body. During this time, certain aspects of Puritan society was still around, so the process of having an abortion was seen as sinning or ridding a child that God created. -
Stronger abortion laws put into place
1860s
During the next few years, the topic of abortion was big. More abortion laws were created and more strongly enforced than they had been in the past. Because of this, many of the women who wanted to have an abortion were seeking medical attention from the "underground" medical services to avoid conflict with society. -
AMA on abortion
1890
The AMA (American Medical Association) decided to change the ethics of having an abortion. It was then decided that an abortion would be permitted if more than one physician agrees that the abortion is necessary to keep the mother living. -
Society for Human Abortions
1963
The Society for Human Abortions was created and began to challenge the laws regarding abortion. This organization provided abortion services to the public. -
Abortion is now a felony
1967
Abortion has now been deemed a felony in most states. Any doctor that was caught preforming an abortion in the United States will be sentenced to prison time. -
First pro-choice movement by the courts
1969
The California Supreme Court decided that an abortion should be up to the woman carrying the child. This can be considered the first pro-choice movement in the courts. President John F. Kennedy calls for the repeal of abortion laws. -
Roe vs. Wade
1973
The Supreme Court Case Roe vs Wade establishes that a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy through abortion. This law will make it now legal to receive an abortion. -
President Bush on Abortion
2003
President Bush signed a ban on abortions in the year of 2003. He argued that the "children of America" deserved to be welcomed, and an abortion was no way to do that. This ban went all the way through and was put into place, enraging people who identified as pro-choice. -
Repeal of Ban
2004
The NAF argued in court that the ruling President Bush made was unconstitutional and took away the woman's right to having the procedure done with low government interference. The court agreed to repeal the ban and pro-choicers celebrated the victory. -
Citations
History of Abortion. (2015, January 29). Retrieved from https://prochoice.org/education-and-advocacy/about-abortion/history-of-abortion/ An Overview of Abortion Laws. (2020, January 31). Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/overview-abortion-laws Ethics - Abortion: Historical attitudes to abortion. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/abortion/legal/history_1.shtml -
2.
Ever since this issue originated, the constant debate is all about ethics and morals. One side argues this is a child, the other argues it is simply an embryo. Regardless of this, neither side can deny that it will become a child with due time. This makes the issue a lot more serious considering this means your discussing the outcome of a life. -
3.
The process of abortion laws has constantly jumped back and forth between sides of the issue.Originally it was completely illegal, then it was legal, then it was illegal, now its legal again. With such a controversial thing I don't think there is a way to compromise because it will in the end make both sides outraged because the ruling is not 100% in one of their favor. -
4.
The future of this topic is very interesting to attempt to visualize. I personally don't think abortion will become illegal again because of the mass support the recent ruling received. I do think that states will eventually try the law and try to adjust or completely change it, but overall I believe those proposals will get overturned and they will be back to square one with this issue. -
1.
I believe, regardless of all the controversy surrounding this issue, that the abortion laws will stay the way they are. In recent years, feminism has gotten stronger. There are a lot more men and women who advocate for their rights and they ultimately know how to get their point across quickly. If the Roe vs Wade case is to get brought back up in an attempt to ban abortions, I personally believe it will fail.