Stuff Mom Never Told You Classic Episode: A Revisionist History of Abortion, Part 1
Mar 13, 2017
Discover the surprising history of abortion in America, where early-term procedures were once commonplace. Explore the rise of abortion as a business through the infamous Madame Restell and the contrasting attitudes between the U.S. and Europe. Delve into the criminalization of abortion by 1900, highlighting socio-political motives and the impact on women's health. The narrative touches on the conflicts between midwives and doctors during the progressive era, emphasizing how race and class intersect with reproductive rights.
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Herbal Abortifacients
- Women used herbal abortifacients to induce miscarriages when pregnancy was unwanted.
- Folk remedies included herbs like marjoram, thyme, parsley, lavender, and pennyroyal tea.
Euphemisms and Abortion
- Euphemisms for abortion, like "taking the trade," reveal its prevalence and secrecy.
- The existence of these terms suggests both acceptance and a need for discretion.
Madame Restell
- Madame Restell, a 19th-century abortionist, built a successful abortion business, facing criticism.
- She challenged critics who judged women's morality for seeking abortions.