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Connecticut Passes Abortion Law
In 1821, Connecticut passed a law that protected women from abortion inducement through poison after the fourth month. This law made it illegal for women to terminate their pregnancy with poison after the fourth month. This is thought to be the first regulation on abortion in the US. This regulation led other states to follow Connecticut's example. The US originally viewed abortion as wrong and some deemed it illegal. -
AMA Makes Abortion Legal with Doctor Referral
Abortion was further regulated by the American Medicine Association by allowing abortion if it is recommended by one or more physicians in order to protect the mother's life. This changes the general view of abortion in America.Where people first saw it as a protection of the baby, it is now looked at as a way to protect the mother. -
Colorado Sign First ALI-Model Abortion Law
The Governor of Colorado, John A. Love, signed the first ALI-model abortion law in the United States. This law permitted abortions in cases of permanent mental or physical health of the mother, or in cases of pregnancy due to rape or incest, and if there is fetal deformity. This law sparked other states such as California, Oregon, and NC to pass similar laws. This law set a precedent and is very similar to the current US regulation for abortion. -
National Right to Life is Established
Pro-abortion efforts and right to life organizations continued to grow and it became obvious the need for organization of the issue. In October 1968 the National Right to Life organization was created. They began posting newsletters and building their board of directors. This supported the fight for the right to life and anti-abortion beliefs. However, the pro-abortion opinions were also growing. The rise of controversy was calling for new federal precedent to be created. -
Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court Decision
Roe Vs. Wade decided that it was a constitutional right for women to be allowed abortions. This case caused much controversy in America, and really put the abortion issue in the limelight. However, this didn't outlaw restrictions on abortions, so it opened the door for how much or how little restrictions would be put in place. -
Passing of the Hyde Amendment
The Hyde Amendment declared that federal funds and Medicaid would only support abortions in the case of rape, incest, or the safety of the mother was at question. This legislation was upheld by the Supreme Court. This amendment has been held in place, but states still provide their own funds in order to support abortion. This amendment caused, and still causes, arguments between political parties and pro-life and pro-choice groups. -
Webster vs. Reproductive Services Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court declared that using public facilities for abortion as unconstitutional. This was the first time Roe vs Wade was not upheld fully. This decision led to even more arguments over the constitutionality of abortion. This led to further Supreme Court issues over the legality of abortion and how far the government could go with restrictions -
2016 Election Abortion Debate
in the 2016 presidential election, the Hyde Amendment came into debate for the first time in a presidential campaign. Trump argued for the amendment to be pushed into law, while Clinton argued for the amendment to be repealed. The abortion controversy became prevalent in the presidential election, which proves its increasing presence on the political agenda. -
Trump Speaks at the March for Life in DC
President Trump became the first president to give an in person speech at the March for Life in Washington. This was considered very controversial because no US president has ever given an in person speech at the march before. He spoke for pro-life advocates. This is important because it shows support for pro-life advocates in our current governmental body. -
Where is our Country Headed?
Our country seems to be headed in the direction of pro-choice. I think more people are starting to believe abortion should be legalized, but not for every circumstance. I believe this because of our current legislation about abortion. Abortion is legalized in every state, and I believe that won't ever change. However, the extent to which abortion is allowed might change in favor of either side. -
Change Overtime
I believe the aspect of to what extent has changed the most over time. At first abortions weren't allowed under any circumstances, but now some states allow under any circumstance. The view of abortion has become much more liberalized than it originally was. Before it was outlawed to protect the mother, but now it's considered legal in order to protect the mother. -
Compromise?
With culture war issues we have learned there is no way to fully please both sides. The closest America has come to compromise on this issue is allowing abortion with restrictions. Some states only allow abortion in the first trimester or in cases of rape or incest, or if the pregnancy brings harm to the mother. Other states allow abortion all the up until birth without any restrictions. The allowance of abortion with restrictions is the closest I believe we've come to compromising. -
The Future
I think in the future there a federal law regarding the legality of abortion will be created. With the rising controversy a federal law is in high demand. However, I think it will be close to impossible to create a law that pleases the majority. -
Citations
Abortion History Timeline. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nrlc.org/abortion/history/
Chicago Tribune. (2019, January 30). Timeline of abortion laws and events. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-abortion-timeline-story.html
