Relevant history in abortion politics

The election year of 1872 is fascinating history. Victoria Woodhull was the first woman presidential candidate and the argument to legalize abortion was a huge issue. Abortions skyrocketed after the Civil War even though they were illegal and condemned as murder by churches and the Women's Suffragettes.

Woodhull and her sister, Tennessee Claflin, said that laws cannot stop abortions because they are caused by a deeply rooted social problem. The only solution is to educate and change people.

That view is true. Laws have never stopped abortion; they only pushed it into the hands of criminals at the expense of the health and lives of many women. Legalization removed it from the criminals, but did not change the ugliness of it.

Do we want to return abortion to the criminals? Abortions have been decreasing due to education and assistance programs. We should continue that effort even though abortions will never be completely eliminated.

Rich Lorimer

Streamwood