Historical perspective

"the landmark ruling [Roe v. Wade] is simply a return to status quo. The right to an abortion -- practiced in one form or another since colonial times -- had never been restricted until the last half of the late 19th century." -- Susan Faludi, Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women, p. 421

"In 1800, abortion was legal in every state and popular opinion on it largely neutral." -- Susan Faludi, Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women, p. 422