It Could Happen Here Government Small Enough to Fit in Your Bedroom feat. Steven Monacelli & Dr. Michael Phillips
Dec 30, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Michael Phillips, a historian and author focusing on eugenics in Texas, teams up with investigative reporter Steven Monacelli, who covers extremism and far-right movements. They explore the surprising history of abortion rights in America, dissecting how perceptions have shifted since the Puritan era. The duo connects anti-abortion politics to racism and xenophobia, highlighting Texas's unique role. They share insights on the legal battles faced by early activists and the tragic consequences of restrictive laws on women's health.
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Abortion Acceptance
- Throughout American history, abortion was widely accepted, even advertised in newspapers.
- The American Medical Association campaigned against abortion in the 1840s, partly to eliminate competition from midwives.
AMA's Campaign
- The AMA, despite its own questionable practices, successfully lobbied for abortion bans by sensationalizing cases of women dying during abortions performed by midwives.
- By 1880, abortion was banned in every state except Kentucky.
Racial anxieties and abortion
- The anti-abortion movement wasn't solely about women's autonomy but also about race and class.
- Concerns arose about declining white birth rates compared to those of immigrants, leading to anxieties about "race suicide."