Abortion Quote by Bernard Nathanson
“Another myth we fed to the public through the media was that legalizing abortion would only mean that the abortions taking place i1legally would then be done legally. In fact, of course, abortion is now being used as a primary method of birth control in the U.S. and the annual number of abortions has increased by 1,500 percent since legalization.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Abortion Debate, Bernard Nathanson, 1995
Legalizing abortion led to a dramatic rise in its use as a primary birth‑control method, contrary to earlier expectations.
In simple terms: Abortion became a common birth‑control choice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize unintended policy outcomes.
Themes
abortion
policy
media influence
public health
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
informative
philosophical
When to use this quote
- healthcare policy
- reproductive rights advocacy
- media analysis
- public education
Key Concepts
population control
ethical debate
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors drive the shift in abortion usage?
- How should policy address unintended consequences?
A Different Perspective
Data may be contested; causality is complex.
![“I remember laughing when we made those slogans up [about abortion]. . . . We were looking for some sexy, catchy slogans to capture public opinion. They were very cynical slogans then, just as all of these slogans today are very, very cynical.” quote by Bernard Nathanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e80/bernard-nathanson-48489_abortion_i-remember-laughing-when-we-made-those-s_369215.jpg)
![“At the end of the two years that I was the director [of the Center for Reproductive and Sexual Health in Manhattan], we had done 60,000 abortions. [During my life] I myself, with my own hands, have done 5,000 abortions. I have supervised another 10,000 that residents have done under my direction…” quote by Bernard Nathanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4e/bernard-nathanson-48489_abortion_at-the-end-of-the-two-years-that-i-was-t_1911578.jpg)
