Abortion - the universal solution

Abortion has always been used for birth control, although attitudes to it have varied over the centuries. Sometimes it was permissible before 'quickening' (before the woman could feel the baby moving). At other times it has been treated as murder, or as a crime against the husband.

Industrialised countries including Australia introduced harsh laws against abortion in the mid 1800s. But women continued to seek abortions from 'backyard' abortionists, or they tried to bring on a miscarriage themselves, and the death rate from such abortions was high.

They also used emmenagogues. These 'women's medicines' were meant to bring on menstruation and were the forerunners of today's emergency or 'morning after' pill (which can be taken within 3 days following unprotected sex). In the early 1900s many brands, were advertised as being capable of 'removing obstructions' and 'preventing irregularities'. Around the 1970s the laws were relaxed and in most Australian states abortion is now allowed in particular circumstances, for example, if a woman's physical or mental health is at risk. Nevertheless, the debate between people who are for and against abortion still rages.

Widow Welch Pills, a well-known brand of 'women's medicine'. Powerhouse Museum collection.

'Seaweed pencils', or 'sea-tangle tents', for dilating the cervix were sometimes used for abortions. Powerhouse Museum collection.

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