Why Not? A Book for Every Woman

This Prize winning essay was published in 1866 and 1868. (91 pages)Written by Horatio Storer M.D. (1830-1922). He was one of the most influential figures of the 19th Century. He is remembered for his views on the suppression of unnecessary intentional abortion. He is also remembered for starting the Physicians crusade against abortion in 1857. Dr. Storer was one of the first champions of womens rights.. Excerpt:....To women on the other hand how interesting the topic! It is one that affects and more directly perhaps than can anything else their health their lives. It concerns their discretion their conscience their moral character their peace of mind even its very possession for cases of insanity in women from the physical shock of induced abortion or from subsequent remorse are not uncommon. It involves often all the elements of domestic happiness the extent or existence ofthe home circles the matrons own self-respect and often the very gift or return of conjugal love; for as has forcibly been asserted of marriage where conception or the birth of children is intentionally prevented such is in reality but legalized prostitution a sensual rather than a spiritual union.....I propose to show that induced abortions are not only a crime against life the child being always alive or practically supposed to be so; against the mother for the laws do not allow suicide or the commission of acts upon ones own person involving great risk to life; against nature and all natural instinct and against public interests and morality but that barring ethical considerations and looked at in a selfish light alone they are so dangerous to the womens health her own physical and domestic best interests that their induction permitted or solicitation by one cognizant of their true character should almost be looked upon as proof of actual insanity.. Contents:Origin and Purpose of the Present Essay----What has bee done by Physicians to Foster and what to Prevent the Evil----What is the True Nature of an Intentional Abortion when not a Requisite to Save the Life of the Mother----The Inherent Dangers of Abortion to a Womens Health and to her Life----The Frequency of Forced Abortions even among the Married----The Excuses and Pretexts that are given for the Act----Alternatives Public and Private and Measures of Relief----Recapitulation----Appendix (Correspondence)