History Of Abortion

In an era where identity and representation are hotly debated topics, Hershey's approach to International Women's Day has sparked significant controversy. Opting to feature a man in a dress as part of their campaign, the company has drawn criticism from those who feel that this choice undermines the very essence of a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements and addressing the challenges women face. Critics argue that such decisions by corporations not only misrepresent the intent of the observance but also fail to honor the real and substantial advancements made by women throughout history.

The history of abortion in the United States is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of public health, legal battles, and the contentious figure of Margaret Sanger, the founder of what would become Planned Parenthood. Here's an exploration of how abortion practices and advocacy began in the U.S., focusing on the complex and nuanced legacy of Sanger.

Early Days of Abortion in America

Before the 19th century, abortion in the U.S. was not heavily regulated. It was often considered a private family matter, managed through traditional methods. However, with the rise of the medical profession, there came a push to criminalize abortion, which resulted in a series of laws in the 1800s that made abortion illegal except to save the mother's life, marking a significant shift in the legal status of abortion.

Margaret Sanger and the Birth Control Movement

Margaret Sanger, born in 1879, emerged as a pivotal figure in the early 20th century. Her motivation stemmed from witnessing the hardships faced by women due to frequent pregnancies and self-induced abortions. In 1916, she opened the first birth control clinic in the U.S., an act that led to her arrest but also ignited a movement.

However, Sanger's motivations and beliefs have been critically examined due to her alignment with eugenics, a movement aimed at "improving" human genetic quality. Sanger believed birth control could serve as a tool to reduce the fertility rates of those deemed "unfit," a category that disturbingly often included the poor, disabled, and racial minorities.

The Eugenics Connection

Sanger's association with eugenics has led to accusations that her advocacy for birth control was racially motivated, particularly against Black communities. While she did advocate for birth control to be accessible to all women, her eugenic rhetoric has left a lasting stain on her legacy. She worked with Black leaders and opened clinics in Black neighborhoods. Yet, her statements on eugenics reveal a troubling aspect of her philosophy, aiming to limit reproduction among certain groups she considered less desirable.

Planned Parenthood and Beyond

Sanger's work led to the formation of the American Birth Control League, which eventually became Planned Parenthood. During her leadership, the focus was on birth control education and services, not abortion, as the latter was illegal. However, her advocacy, while primarily aimed at birth control, inadvertently laid the groundwork for future debates on abortion.

Post World War II, with eugenics falling out of favor, Planned Parenthood made a significant shift. It distanced itself from Sanger's eugenic views and broadened its focus to encompass a range of women's health services. Yet, Sanger's history continues to spark ongoing debates about the initial intentions behind birth control advocacy.

Roe vs Wade

In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe vs Wade, effectively legalizing abortion nationwide by recognizing a constitutional right to privacy that extends to a woman's decision to have an abortion. This ruling set a delicate balance where abortion was legal during the first trimester of pregnancy, with regulations allowed in the second trimester related to maternal health. States could regulate or prohibit abortions in the third trimester, except when necessary to preserve the mother's life or health.

The Era of Legal Abortion

Since the Roe vs Wade decision in 1973, abortion rates in the United States have been systematically tracked. This data, provided by the reputable Guttmacher Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals insightful trends over the decades. The number of abortions increased throughout the late 1970s, reaching its peak during the late 1980s and early 1990s. After this period, there has been a general decline, though some slight rises were noted in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

This downward trend is influenced by numerous factors, such as the significant role of improved access to contraception, changes in sexual education practices, and the enactment of more restrictive state laws that made obtaining abortion services more challenging in certain regions. By 2021, the abortion rate had considerably decreased from its previous peak levels. While annual figures can differ based on source and methodology, it is estimated that around 60 million abortions occurred from 1973 until the discussions concerning the possible reversal of Roe vs Wade began.

Abortion vs. Gun Deatsh vs. Military Deaths

From 1973 to 2021, an estimated total of nearly 60 million abortions were performed in the United States. In contrast, the total number of gun deaths during the same period amounts to approximately 1.1 million and the total number of military deaths across major conflicts such as the Civil War and World Wars and more recent engagements like Operation Iraqi Freedom, the number stands at approximately 1.28 million. This comparison isn't intended to diminish the importance of lives lost in war. Instead, it serves to highlight the scale and impact of abortion in the U.S. by providing a broader perspective. We must understand these figures, as they empower each of us to engage in discussions about the social and ethical issues surrounding abortion and its role in American society.

Abortions by Year

Total Abortions: 59,506,330

• 1973: 744,610
• 1974: 898,600
• 1975: 1,034,170
• 1976: 1,179,300
• 1977: 1,316,700
• 1978: 1,409,600
• 1979: 1,497,700
• 1980: 1,545,170
• 1981: 1,301,000
• 1982: 1,304,000
• 1983: 1,574,000
• 1984: 1,334,000
• 1985: 1,578,800
• 1986: 1,328,000
• 1987: 1,354,000
• 1988: 1,371,000
• 1989: 1,397,000
• 1990: 1,429,000
• 1991: 1,549,180
• 1992: 1,520,810
• 1993: 1,330,000
• 1994: 1,423,000
• 1995: 1,359,400
• 1996: 1,360,200
• 1997: 1,335,000
• 1998: 1,319,000
• 1999: 1,314,800
• 2000: 1,313,000
• 2001: 1,291,000
• 2002: 1,269,000
• 2003: 1,250,000
• 2004: 1,216,050
• 2005: 1,198,960
• 2006: 1,242,000
• 2007: 1,202,960
• 2008: 1,212,350
• 2009: 1,151,600
• 2010: 1,102,670
• 2011: 1,058,490
• 2012: 1,011,000
• 2013: 958,700
• 2014: 926,190
• 2015: 899,500
• 2016: 874,100
• 2017: 862,300
• 2018: 885,800
• 2019: 916,460
• 2020: 930,160
• 2021: 626,000

Gun Deaths by Year

Total Gun Deaths: 1,107,298

• 1973: N/A
• 1974: N/A
• 1975: N/A
• 1976: N/A
• 1977: N/A
• 1978: N/A
• 1979: N/A
• 1980: N/A
• 1981: N/A
• 1982: N/A
• 1983: N/A
• 1984: N/A
• 1985: N/A
• 1986: N/A
• 1987: N/A
• 1988: N/A
• 1989: N/A
• 1990: 37,155
• 1991: 38,317
• 1992: 37,776
• 1993: 39,595
• 1994: 38,505
• 1995: 35,957
• 1996: 34,040
• 1997: 32,436
• 1998: 30,708
• 1999: 28,874
• 2000: 28,663
• 2001: 29,573
• 2002: 30,242
• 2003: 30,136
• 2004: 29,569
• 2005: 30,694
• 2006: 30,896
• 2007: 31,224
• 2008: 31,593
• 2009: 31,347
• 2010: 31,672
• 2011: 32,351
• 2012: 33,563
• 2013: 33,636
• 2014: 33,594
• 2015: 36,252
• 2016: 38,658
• 2017: 39,773
• 2018: 39,740
• 2019: 39,707
• 2020: 42,222
• 2021: 48,830

Soldiers Killed in War

Total Military Deaths: 1,283,703

• American Civil War (1861-1865): 655,000
• World War I (1917-1918): 117,000
• World War II (1941-1945): 407,000
• Korean War (1950-1953): 36,574
• Vietnam War (1955-1975): 58,281
• Gulf War (1990-1991): 2,586
• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011): 4,614
• Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014): 2,354
• Operation Freedom's Sentinel (2014-2021): 109
• Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-present): 111
• Operation New Dawn (2010-2011): 74

The Overturn of Roe v. Wade

The June 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization drastically changed abortion laws in the United States. It's important to understand this decision, as it returned the authority to regulate or ban abortion to individual states. Instead of a nationwide ban, states were given the power to set their abortion policies. Several states enacted 'trigger laws' or revived old laws to severely limit or ban abortion, creating a varied system where abortion rights differ greatly from state to state. In some areas, abortion remains legal and accessible, while in others, it's heavily restricted or nearly banned.

The immediate years following the overturn of Roe v. Wade brought significant changes to abortion access. Though complete data for 2023-2024 is still emerging, early indicators show considerable disruption, with many women needing to travel to states where abortion services remain legal. By 2024, the number of people traveling across state lines for abortions increased notably, especially from states with strict bans.

Summary

The United States has a complex history with abortion, from early debates in the 19th century to significant legislative and judicial decisions. Abortion rates have fluctuated over the past decades, but access continues to be restricted in many states. The recent overturn of Roe v. Wade has brought about a new era where individual states must shape their abortion laws, leading to varying levels of availability and accessibility across the country.

Data Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Guttmacher Institute