The criminalization of abortion began as a business tactic. Up until the founding of the AMA in 1847, virtually all deliveries were attended by women-midwives. Men were rarely in the delivery room. In this most womanly of events, women took care of women. Abortion was common, advertised openly, and legal throughout the United States. Married women used these services and as many as 20% of pregnancies were terminated. It had been legal in the earliest American colonies.
Excellent article! I worked in OB for 30 years and never knew the history. When I first started in Labor and Delivery in the late 80's midwifes were common. I had even considered going into it but glad I didn't considering a few years later they were pushed out again. About 8 or 9 years ago they came back and are practicing again.
This explanation reveals why the abortion debate rages today and why midwives are so uncommon now. What a travesty perpetuated by these male gynecologists. Thank you for this revealing post.
Excellent article! I worked in OB for 30 years and never knew the history. When I first started in Labor and Delivery in the late 80's midwifes were common. I had even considered going into it but glad I didn't considering a few years later they were pushed out again. About 8 or 9 years ago they came back and are practicing again.
This explanation reveals why the abortion debate rages today and why midwives are so uncommon now. What a travesty perpetuated by these male gynecologists. Thank you for this revealing post.