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How Long Has Abortion Been Around?
from:The answer to the question, “How long has abortion been around” is surprising. Contrary to popular belief, abortion was not invented with the Roe vs. Wade court decision. In fact, since the ancient Greek and Roman times, abortion has been a common procedure and, until the late 18th and early 19th centuries, abortion was actually legal in most parts of the world. The Greek and Roman philosophers wrote extensively about abortion, and many agreed with its practice. Some even wrote treatises on abortion, its benefits, and even discussed what abortifacient (or abortion causing) herbs to use and how to use them. Abortions in this time were not very different from ones that happen today, only now abortion is legalized and regulated by the government and medical community, making it a much safer practice. This is only the beginning of the answer to how long has abortion been around.
In Southeast Asia, massage abortion has been practiced for centuries. This is when pressure is used on the belly to cause abortion. The earliest representation of this is from 1150 AD in a carving in Cambodia. Records of abortions in the 12th century exist in Japan. English women used many different practices in the middle ages. Most common were exercise and using a girdle, which was tightened to place pressure on the abdomen.
It is important when answering the question how long has abortion been around to discuss the start of the abortion bans. In the 19th century, the advent of anesthetic, surgical knowledge and sanitary medical practices made abortion a safer option for a woman, but this coincided with the beginning of bans on abortion. Abortions were even advertised in newspapers. These advertisements were rather vague, offering things like abrotifacient herb pills as a lady’s “remedy”.
The question of how long has abortion been around lead us to Victorian Era United States, where a woman named Ann Lohman, commonly known as Madame Restell, was a famous abortionist. During a time when abortions were illegal, she was a primary target for law enforcement. She had clinics in both Boston and Philadelphia, and she advertised her services. Her discreet ads stated that she sold pills to help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. She also addressed married women, asking if the expansion of a family was worth the problems it can cause, both financially and emotionally. Madame Restell was arrested and scheduled to be tried in 1878, but she committed suicide on the day of her trial.
Abortion News
California priest wants Obama voters to confess for backing an ... - San Jose Mercury News
 Modesto Bee | California priest wants Obama voters to confess for backing an ... San Jose Mercury News, USA - A Roman Catholic priest has told parishioners they should confess if they voted for Barack Obama because the president-elect supports abortion. The Rev. ... Priest urges confession for Obama supporters “A grave mistake, probably a grave sin” Modesto priest clarifies his stance on Obama votes |
Power may shift to anti-abortion side - Arizona Republic
 Seattle Post Intelligencer | Power may shift to anti-abortion side Arizona Republic, AZ - 1, 2008 12:00 AM One by one, the Legislature has approved bills barring the use of state funds for abortion, requiring that prospective patients be notified ... Ariz. government change expected to affect abortions 'Gov. Brewer' would shift power to conservatives Obama cabinet pick gives Ariz a Republican gov |
Study links abortions, mental health problems - New Zealand Herald
Study links abortions, mental health problems New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - By Martin Johnston Women who have an abortion have an increased risk of developing mental health problems, New Zealand researchers have found. ... Abortions may cause drug, alcohol addiction Abortion Increases Women's Mental Health Problems: New Study Second New Study: Mental Health Problems Up 30% For Women Having ... |
Rule will strengthen right to refuse care - Baltimore Sun
 Winston-Salem Journal | Rule will strengthen right to refuse care Baltimore Sun, United States - The new rule would go further by making clear that health care workers may also refuse to provide information or advice about abortion to patients. ... Experts seek remedy for health-care waste Bush Administration Likely To Push Through Controversial Health ... US 'Not Getting What We Pay For' |
YWCA Backs FOCA Bill for Unlimited Abortions, Overturning All Pro ... - LifeNews.com
YWCA Backs FOCA Bill for Unlimited Abortions, Overturning All Pro ... LifeNews.com, MT - It would also overturn ever pro-life law in all fifty states that reduces abortions, stops taxpayer-funding of abortions or allows for parental notification ... Personnel is Policy, Especially in Washington, DC Barack Obama Criticized by Pro-Life Women's Group for Hillary ... |