-
Period: to
Colonial Era – 1820s: Abortion Was Largely Unregulated
Abortion was legal under English common law before "quickening" (when fetal movement is first felt, around 16–20 weeks).
Early herbal remedies and midwives provided abortion care with little government interference. -
Period: to
1820s–1860s: First State Laws Restricting Abortion
Connecticut (1821) became the first state to pass a law restricting abortion, targeting poison-induced abortions.
By the mid-19th century, more states criminalized abortion, driven by concerns over safety and professionalizing medicine. -
Period: to
1860s–1900: The American Medical Association (AMA) and Anti-Abortion Laws
The AMA led a campaign against abortion, arguing it was unsafe and immoral.
By 1900, abortion was illegal in almost all states, except when necessary to save the mother’s life. (let's goooooo) -
Period: to
1900–1950s: Underground and Dangerous Abortions
Despite laws, many women sought illegal or self-induced abortions.
Unsafe procedures led to significant injury and death, especially among low-income women and women of color. (Ouch!) -
Period: to
1960s: The Rise of the Reproductive Rights Movement
The women’s rights movement and public health concerns led to growing support for abortion access.
Some states, like Colorado (1967) and California (1969), began reforming abortion laws to allow exceptions beyond life-threatening cases. (Uh oh!) -
1973: Roe v. Wade Legalizes Abortion Nationwide (OH NO)
The Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that the constitutional right to privacy includes abortion access.
Established a trimester framework:
First trimester: No state restrictions.
Second trimester: Some regulations allowed.
Third trimester: States could restrict abortion, except when necessary for the mother’s life or health. -
1992: Planned Parenthood v. Casey Modifies Roe (A step in the right direction!)
The Supreme Court upheld abortion rights but allowed states to regulate abortion as long as they didn’t place an "undue burden" on women.
Led to increased state-level restrictions, such as waiting periods and parental consent laws. -
Period: to
2000s–2010s: Growing State-Level Restrictions
Many conservative states passed laws restricting access, including mandatory ultrasounds and TRAP laws (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers). -
2021: Texas's SB8 and State-Level Bans (I am for this)
Texas passed SB8, banning abortion after six weeks and allowing private citizens to sue abortion providers.
Many Republican-led states passed "heartbeat" bills restricting abortion before many women even know they are pregnant. -
Period: to
2022–Present: Dobbs v. Jackson Overturns Roe v. Wade
The Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) decision overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal abortion rights.
Abortion access now depends on individual state laws, leading to outright bans in some states and protections in others.