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The Comstock Act
This act banned access to information about abortion and birth control and was one of the first examples of legislation that had to deal with the issue. -
Life of the Mother
Abortion is permitted when one or more physicians believe it is necessary to preserve the life of the mother. -
The Society for Human Abortion
Established in San Francisco and challenges abortion laws by providing information on the topic and contraception. One of the earliest examples of an organization made against abortion. -
Abortion as a Felony
Abortion is classified as a felony in 49 states at this time and a doctor named Dr. Leon Belous is convicted for referring a woman to an abortionist. Led to the Supreme Court Case -
President Kennedy Steps In
The president created the Presidential Advisory Council on the Status of Women and calls for the repeal of abortion laws. This was important as it shows the issue growing to a larger scale with the President becoming involved. -
1969 California Supreme Court Decision
This case ruled in favor of the right to choose abortion, therefore it is no longer a felony -
Hawaii sets Precedent
Hawaii is the first state to allow abortions to be performed before 20 weeks of pregnancy, repealing the criminal abortion law. This sets a precedent for other states to soon do the same. -
The Comstock Act repeal
The act prohibiting information on abortion is repealed and abortion under certain conditions is allowed in 14 states. This is important as it shows a growing acceptance to the issue. -
Roe vs. Wade
The Supreme Court case grants women the right to terminate pregnancies through abortion. They base this on a woman's right to privacy. This is important as it sets a nationwide law that allows abortion. -
Federally Funded Abortion Research
The National Science Foundation Authorization Act allows research using fetal tissue on abortion. This shows the federal government's increased involvement on the issue of abortion. -
Hyde Amendment
Bans use of Medicaid and other federal funds for abortions. Later held up in the Supreme Court. Important as it shows the federal government's belief in not using their funds for abortion. -
Bellotti vs. Baird
Supreme court rules that pregnant minors can petition to the court to have an abortion without the consent of their parents. Important as it pertains to the rights of individuals regardless of age. -
Akron Ordinance Struck Down
The ordinance would have required doctors to give abortion patients antiabortion literature, require a waiting period, and require the fetus to be disposed of in a human manner. Law upholds that there should be no bias when deciding on the decision. -
Webster vs. Reproductive Health Services
The Supreme Court decides that a law in Washington state saying that "life begins at conception" and not allowing abortion to be carried out in public facilities is found unconstitutional. This is important as the Supreme Court doesn't directly reaffirm Roe vs. Wade. -
Planned Parenthood vs. Casey
Reaffirms Roe vs. Wade, saying that states can not ban or interfere with a woman's decision to have an abortion. -
Michael Griffin Protester
Protester named Michael Griffin shoots Dr. David Gunn outside a clinic in Pensacola, Florida. He is later sentenced to life in prison. This shows the true "culture war" that is building. -
Norma McCorvey
Known as "Jane Roe" during the Roe v. Wade court case, announces that she is pro-life and that she regrets her role in the landmark case. -
Partial-birth Abortions
The abortion debate is now on state bans on "partial-birth abortions" which is about late-term abortions. Congress passes the bill HR 1833 to ban these procedures, but President Clinton vetoes the bill. -
Olympic Park Bombing
Two bombs blast outside an Atlanta abortion clinic which injures six people and leaves the building in ruins. Committed by Eric Rudolph who was on the run for 5 years before being caught. Shows the "Cultural war" is as strong and controversial as ever. -
Stenberg vs. Carhart
This case strikes down Nebraska's ban on partial-birth abortion as constitutional. Important because this invalidates 29 of 31 similar state bands. -
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
President George W. Bush signs this ban into law effectively banning the partial-birth rule. -
Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
This invalidates New Hampshire's parental notice law and remands the case to be looked at again in the future. -
Gonzales vs. Carhart
The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the "partial-birth abortion" ban. This law forces abortionists to find other methods of aborting older unborn babies and shows resistance to the issue. Continued Legislation on abortion and shows the cultural war continues on even now as it is still a major question for our government.