Under the guise of wanting to require a medical license to perform abortions, the American Medical Association (AMA) ran a successful campaign to ban abortion care and put the decision to make exceptions completely in their hands.
The fears of white women increasingly turning away from doing their “duty” to bear children coupled with xenophobia compelled powerful white men to spring into action. This was all happening while the United States was also getting more Catholic and Jewish immigrants. The white, middle-class women who could afford abortions were having more control of their bodies and thus having fewer children. The industry was doing so well that one famous provider, Madame Restell, invested in one of New York City’s first luxury apartment buildings with her husband. It’s because it also exposes the true goal of the movement, which makes their initially confusing hypocrisy incredibly clear.Ībortion restrictions have always been political-and about race Madame Restell, née Ann Lohmanĭuring much of the 19th century, abortion was unregulated and business was booming. That’s not just because white people tend to be uncomfortable and avoidant when talking about race. It turns out that the pro-life movement has been very good about hiding its racist origins. Have you ever wondered why the “pro-life” movement is so … white? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that they seem incapable of not being racist whenever they pretend to care about Black people to further their extreme agenda. It’s no coincidence that the biggest national threat to abortion rights since Roe is happening under such a racist government. Trump has not hesitated to embrace white nationalists and give racists power-just look at Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and Jeff Sessions-which is exactly why it’s prime time for Roe v. Now we’re seeing what’s possible when a man like Donald Trump embraces it as the leader of the power. Rule by minority has increasingly become the Republican’s modus operandi gerrymandering, voter suppression, and congressional loopholes show they are not shy about staying in power by any means necessary. That, of course, won’t stop opponents to the measure from ruling by minority it’s exactly what the so-called “pro-lifers” want. A recent Quinnipiac poll shows that a clear majority support the Supreme Court ruling ensuring a patient’s access to abortion care. Wade goes against the will of the people. John Burt, 1994 New York Timesinterview Someday we may all be in the trenches together in the fight against the slaughter of unborn children. "Pro-life" events like March for Life Rally aren't very diverse for a reason.įundamentalist Christians and are pretty close, fighting for God and country.