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First Anti-Abortion Law
Connecticut passes the first anti-abortion law in US history. This law prohibits any procedures after "quickening," or fetal movements.This law kicks off anti-abortion legislation. Many states will follow. -
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Abortion Becomes Illegal in Many States
The mid-to-late 1800s brought new anti-abortion legislation. Federalism meant that states could decide whether or not to pass these laws. Many states did begin to illegalize procedures. This is one of the first steps toward limiting abortions in the United States. -
Anti-Abortion Laws are in Place in 20 States
By 1860, 20 states have passed anti-abortion laws. These laws vary in severity. This shows the growing amount of pushback regarding abortion in the United States. -
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Rise in Back-Alley Abortions
In this almost 100 year span, abortions were mostly illegal. This led to a rise in "back-alley" abortions, an abortion performed by an unlicensed professional that often has negative results. It is estimated that as many as 1.2 million back-alley abortions occurred per year. This showed the ineffectiveness of the current laws in place. -
All States (But 1) Have Anti-Abortion Legislation
By 1910, 49 states had enacted some form of anti-abortion laws. There were some exceptions, such as when the mother was in danger. This transformed abortions into a "physicians only" procedure. A woman could basically only have a legal abortion in a doctor's office. These laws signify growing hatred for abortion in the US. -
Griswold v. Connecticut
Griswold v. Connecticut is a supreme court case that invalidated a state law that banned contraceptives. The court ruled that the Constitution protects the right of married couples to be counseled and use devices to prevent pregnancy. This case furthers ideas about a woman's right to choose. -
First State to Liberalize Abortion
In 1967, Colorado became the first state to liberalize their abortion laws. To liberalize is to repeal or loosen restrictions on a given law. This is monumental for pro-choice activists because it shows that the tide is turning for abortion rights. -
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Abortion Legislation is Liberalized
Approximately 1/3 of states repeal their anti-abortion laws during this time. The right to have an abortion in all states was not available until the Roe v. Wade decision. (1973) This is a step forward towards more liberal views on abortion. -
Further Liberalization of Laws
States such as Alaska, Hawaii, New York, and Washington pass laws further liberalizing abortions. These new laws make the procedure legal if a woman/her doctor was to ask for it. This is another example of the advancement of abortion rights before Roe v. Wade. -
Eisenstadt v. Baird
This case uses the Griswold decision to justify married couples using contraception. Baird gave a woman contraceptives even though he was not licensed to do so. This brought an existing Massachusetts law into question. The law was repealed. This case is important because it solidified the freedoms that married couples have. -
Roe v. Wade
This Supreme Court Case made abortions legal throughout the US. This case repealed all individual state laws. It is a victory for those who consider themselves pro-choice. Jane Roe- 21-year-old pregnant woman-- was the "face" of all women who wanted safe, legal abortions.
Henry Wade- Texas Attorney General-- in favor of anti-abortion legislation. -
First Draft of the Hyde Amendment is Adopted
Congress passed the first Hyde amendment in 1976. This law makes it illegal for low-income women to use Medicaid funds to pay for an abortion. This law is a step back for people who consider themselves pro-choice after Roe v. Wade. -
Hyde Amendment Revised
The Hyde Amendment (which denied low-income women the right to use Medicaid to pay for an abortion) was revised in 1977. This change allows women to use Medicaid to terminate a pregnancy in cases regarding rape, incest, or other "severe and long-lasting" effects on health. Many believe this improves the original bill by making it more accessible. -
Rust v. Sullivan
This case upholds a 1988 law that forbade clinics that rely on federal funding to inform patients about abortions. Arguments were based around the first and fifth amendment rights. This case is important because it prohibited federally-funded clinics from performing abortions, therefore making it harder for a woman to get one. -
Planned Parenthood v. Casey
Planned Parenthood v. Casey is a Supreme Court case that gives states the power to make pre-viability abortions illegal. This case hands some power back to the states. States now have a right to create restrictions such as waiting periods and regulating involvement of parents. This is an important case for state's rights responding to abortions. -
FACE Act Passed
The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act was passed by Congress in 1994. This law was passed by a significant majority after a doctor was murdered at a clinic. It prevents the use of “force, threat of force or physical obstruction” in response to reproductive health services. This law protects institutions that perform abortions. -
Stenberg v. Carhart
This Supreme Court case declared a Nebraska abortion law unconstitutional. The NE statue banned "partial-birth" abortions. The court decided this because the law was incredibly vague and did not take into account the health of a woman. This ruling also invalidated 29 similar laws throughout the US. This case regulates laws regarding abortion so that all states fall under federal regulations. -
FDA Approves Mifepristone
Mifepristone is a medication that blocks the hormone progesterone. Typically used with another pill, mifepristone can end a pregnancy within 10 weeks of conception. The FDA approved this drug in 2000. This drug is a safe way to get an abortion and was a big step for pro-choice activists. -
Bush Signs Anti-Abortion Law
In 2003, Congress passed an anti-abortion law that was later signed by President Bush. This law was very controversial and was met with a lawsuit from the National Abortion Federation. This was a significant win for pro-life activists, even though the law was later shot down. -
NAF Wins Lawsuit Against Abortion Ban
The National Abortion Federation won a lawsuit against the 2003 abortion ban. This ban was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. This lawsuit overrules the ban and benefits those who identify as pro-choice.