History of Pro-Choice

Print

Events

first abortions documented and condemned

450 BC

writings found that support abortions performed in the first trimester of pregnancy

1574

abortion is practiced illegally and performed secretly and dangerously

1850

women's right movement begins in the United States

1850

British parliament makes abortions illegal

1869

USSR legalizes abortion

1920

Japan legalizes abortion

1948

many European countries legalize abortion

1950

Mississippi becomes the first state to legalize abortion for cases of rape

1966

16 states pass laws to legalize some forms of abortion, whether it be because of rape or medical illness

1970

the Supreme Court ruled to make abortion legal in the Roe v. Wade case

1973