Throughout most of the 19th century, women had few legal rights. They could not vote, hold office, enter the professions, sign contracts, purchase property, borrow money, or be given financial credit. In short, married women were considered legal possessions of their husbands and not legal persons.

However, until the mid-19th century, women could obtain an abortion until “quickening” (the start of fetal movement) which was performed by women midwives throughout the country.

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