User:Chriseargle/Opinion/Abortion
From RationalWiki
Abortion, or the abortion of a human pregnancy, is a controversial topic concerning the value of human life at various stages of development, personhood, and a person's right to autonomy.
[edit] Notes
The common law of the United States originated from the common law in England. During the founding of the United States, abortion was considered a misdemeanor rather than murder. This text is translated into modern English:
- "Life is the immediate gift of God, a right inherent by nature in every individual; and it begins in contemplation of law as soon as an infant is able to stir in the mother's womb. For if a woman is quick with child, and by a potion, or otherwise, kills it in her womb ; or if anyone beat her, whereby the child dies in her body, and she is delivered of a dead child; this, though not murder, was by the ancient law homicide or manslaughter. But at present it is not looked upon in quite so atrocious a light, though it remains a very heinous misdemeanor." [1]
James Wilson, signatory to the Declaration of Independence and one of the first justices appointed to the Supreme Court, notes, "In the contemplation of law, life begins when the infant is first able to stir in the womb." [2]