Policing Pregnant Bodies: From Ancient Greece to Post-Roe America

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, asserting that the Constitution did not confer the right to abortion. This ruling was the culmination of a half-century of pro-life activism promoting the idea that fetuses are people and entitled to the rights and protections that the Constitution guarantees. In Policing Pregnant Bodies: From Ancient Greece to Post-Roe America, historian Kathleen M. Crowther discusses the deeply rooted medical and philosophical ideas that continue to reverberate in the politics of women's health and reproductive autonomy. She explains why pro-life concern for fetuses has led to laws restricting or banning abortion, delaying or denying treatment to women for miscarriages, and police investigations of miscarriages. We must understand the historical roots of these archaic ideas to critically engage with the current legal and political debates involving fetal life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

The historical roots of controversies over abortion, fetal personhood, miscarriage, and maternal mortality are explored in this comprehensive essay. The US Supreme Court's landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on June 24, 2022, overturned the Roe v. Wade decision, asserting that the Constitution does not confer the right to abortion. This ruling was the culmination of a half-century of pro-life activism promoting the idea that fetuses are people and entitled to the rights and protections that the Constitution guarantees. However, the history of archaic ideas about the relationship between pregnant people and the fetuses they carry extends far beyond this ruling.

In her book "Policing Pregnant Bodies: From Ancient Greece to Post-Roe America," historian Kathleen M. Crowther delves into the deeply rooted medical and philosophical ideas that continue to shape the politics of women's health and reproductive autonomy. From the belief that a detectable heartbeat signifies moral personhood to the concerning rise in infant and maternal mortality rates in the United States as abortion restrictions gain strength, Crowther provides a historically informed discussion of the politics of women's reproductive rights.

Crowther explains that the pro-life concern for fetuses has led to not only laws restricting or banning abortion but also to delaying or denying treatment to women for miscarriages, as well as police investigations of miscarriages. She highlights the failure to implement policies that would genuinely improve the quality of infant life, such as guaranteed access to medical care, healthy food, safe housing, and paid maternity leave. Understanding the historical roots of these archaic ideas is crucial in critically engaging with the current legal and political debates involving fetal life.

The concept of fetal personhood, which asserts that a fetus is a living human being with the same rights and protections as an adult, has been a central theme in the abortion debate. This idea has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy, where the fetus was seen as a potential human being with a soul. However, the modern conception of fetal personhood emerged in the 19th century with the development of medical technology, particularly in the field of ultrasound.

The use of ultrasound technology allowed doctors to visualize the developing fetus, leading to the belief that the fetus was a distinct individual with its own unique DNA and potential for life. This belief was further reinforced by the discovery of the fetal heartbeat in the 1950s, which was seen as a sign of the fetus's vitality.

However, the concept of fetal personhood has been controversial, with some arguing that it is a religious belief that does not have a place in secular law. Others argue that fetal personhood is necessary to protect the rights of the fetus and to prevent infanticide. The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health relied heavily on the concept of fetal personhood, asserting that the Constitution does not confer the right to abortion.

The ruling has sparked widespread protests and legal challenges, with some states seeking to impose strict restrictions on abortion, while others have sought to protect the right to abortion by passing laws that protect the privacy and autonomy of pregnant women. The debate over fetal personhood is likely to continue to be a topic of intense discussion and legal action in the years to come.

Miscarriage is another issue that has been the subject of much controversy and debate. While miscarriage is a common and natural occurrence, it can also be a devastating experience for pregnant women and their families. Miscarriage rates in the United States have risen in recent years, particularly among women of color and low-income women.

There are many factors that can contribute to miscarriage, including genetic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions. However, the causes of miscarriage are often not fully understood, and there is a lack of research and support for pregnant women who experience miscarriage.

The lack of information and support for pregnant women who experience miscarriage can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, as well as increased stress and anxiety. Women who experience miscarriage may also face discrimination and stigma from healthcare providers and society at large.

To address the issue of miscarriage, there is a need for increased research and education about the causes and effects of miscarriage, as well as improved access to healthcare and support for pregnant women who experience miscarriage. This includes providing access to counseling and support services, as well as ensuring that pregnant women who experience miscarriage receive the appropriate medical care and treatment.

Maternal mortality is another issue that has been the subject of much attention and concern in recent years. Maternal mortality rates in the United States are higher than in many other developed countries, particularly among women of color and low-income women.

There are many factors that contribute to maternal mortality, including lack of access to healthcare, inadequate prenatal care, and high rates of pregnancy-related complications such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Women who experience pregnancy-related complications may face delays in seeking medical care, which can have devastating consequences for both the mother and the baby.

To address the issue of maternal mortality, there is a need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, as well as improved access to prenatal care and postpartum care. This includes providing access to affordable healthcare, as well as training and support for healthcare providers to ensure that they are providing high-quality care to pregnant women and their families.

In conclusion, the historical roots of controversies over abortion, fetal personhood, miscarriage, and maternal mortality are complex and multifaceted. The US Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health has sparked widespread protests and legal challenges, while the issue of fetal personhood continues to be a topic of intense discussion and legal action. Miscarriage is another issue that has been the subject of much controversy and debate, with many factors contributing to miscarriage rates and a lack of information and support for pregnant women who experience miscarriage. Maternal mortality is another issue that has been the subject of much attention and concern in recent years, with many factors contributing to maternal mortality rates and a need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and improved access to prenatal and postpartum care. Understanding the historical roots of these issues is crucial in order to address them and improve the health and well-being of pregnant women and their families.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421447636