Abortion And The United States Essay

Abortion has been prevalent in our society at any given point in time. Whether it has been legal or not, women have continuously sought out abortion. In 1880, abortion was banned in the United States unless it could save the mother’s life. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, many different issues caused the ban on abortion. Men in the medical field felt as if midwives who performed abortion were a threat to them. The United States government was also concerned at this time over the declining birth rates of whites. The availability and safety of illegal abortions was dependent on the particular woman. Wealthier women could leave the country to seek safer help. Poorer women may perform self abortions, with sharp instruments or harmful chemicals. Many women died and have continued to die from unsafe abortion. There has never been a point in time where women have not practiced abortion, regardless of the legality. Because of this, it is extremely important to offer health care and abortion services to women. In today’s society, declining birth rates are not so much of a concern. People who identify as “pro-life” (against abortion) are pro-life for more emotional reasons. Many believe that these unborn babies deserve to be protected, and that the woman cannot make a decision about a life other than her own. In the article “The Abortion Debate” by Alex Altmen, the actual abortion process is explored. Daleiden, the product of a “high-risk” pregnancy, had been troubled by the…