Abortion has been around for a long time, and it has impacted women and men in a variety of ways, in different times and places. Christian influence in Western civilizations has caused widespread disapproval of this practice. Many nations passed laws by the 19th century that banned abortion. It was not until the latter half of the 20th century that some nations began to legalize it. Up to this time, debates about the moral issues of abortion continue to rage on. At times, these arguments become very heated and lead to violence.
Early Accounts of Abortions
There is anthropological evidence and written historical documentation that refer to abortion practices before the middle ages. During these times, women would induce abortion by using sharp sticks, poisonous herbs, abdominal pressure, special exercises and other crude techniques. Even late-term abortion was tolerated by some civilizations during this time.
The main opposition to abortion, as with today?s time, came from the Christian community. They used the Bible to justify their disapproval of this practice. But the debate on the moral issues of abortion has extended to even within the Christian community. Prominent Christians such as Saint Augustine refers to writings in the book of Exodus that say that abortion is not murder and is thus moral.
Abortion Debate
The controversy surrounding the practice of abortion has been around throughout its entire history. Without any factual breakthrough, the debates look to continue well into the future. One of the biggest things being weighed today is the right of a woman to choose against the morality of the practice.
The types of abortion are also a subject of debate today. The practice of partial-birth abortion and late-term abortion is a very touchy issue. Nowadays, most citizens are more moderate in their views of abortion than the politicians who create these abortion laws.
