In the mid-19th century, the push for power played a significant role in the enactment of Arizona’s near-total abortion ban in 1864. Male physicians sought to dominate the healthcare field over midwives who predominantly performed abortions at the time using herbs or metal instruments. The American Medical Association was formed in 1847 as a means to eliminate competition from midwives while establishing themselves as the primary authority on reproductive rights and healthcare. Rising birthrates among Catholic immigrants and falling birthrates among American-born women also fueled concerns about controlling fertility among the population.
The restrictions on abortion in Arizona were already in place up to a certain point before the near-total ban in 1864. Abortions were illegal after women began to feel fetal movement, which typically occurred between 16 and 21 weeks’ gestation. However, a national movement to restrict abortions gained momentum in the late 1850s, leading to the passing of the 1864 law. This law made abortion before the detection of fetal movement a felony punishable by prison time, effectively criminalizing the procedure. Similar bans on abortion were enacted across the country by the end of the 19th century, marking a significant shift in reproductive rights laws.
While the American Medical Association has since evolved its stance on abortion and now advocates for the practice of medicine, the historical context of the 1864 near-total abortion ban sheds light on the power dynamics at play. The laws passed at that time gave physicians more power and discretion over reproductive rights and healthcare decisions. Today, national abortion restrictions continue to leave doctors uncertain about when they can provide care without facing legal consequences, creating challenges in the healthcare field.
The recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court to uphold the 1864 policy as enforceable has sparked controversy and concern about the implications for gender equality and reproductive rights. The decision to effectively ban abortion care in the state reflects a step backward in the progress made towards equality and access to healthcare. In the 1860s, birth control, pregnancy tests, and advanced technology were not available, leading to limited understanding of reproductive health and medical procedures. It was not until much later that advancements in medical knowledge and technology improved the understanding of pregnancy and abortion procedures.
The historical context of Arizona’s near-total abortion ban in 1864 sheds light on the power struggles and gendered dynamics that fueled the enactment of restrictive laws. While the American Medical Association has since evolved its stance on abortion, the legacy of the 1864 ban continues to impact reproductive rights and healthcare decisions today. The ongoing legal challenges and debates surrounding abortion restrictions underscore the complex history of reproductive rights in the United States and the ongoing efforts to ensure access to safe and legal healthcare for all.
