Abortion Quote by Bernard Nathanson
![“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)
“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. So I have 75,000 abortions in my life. Those are pretty good credentials to speak on the subject of abortion.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 1975 public address on reproductive rights
He lists his extensive experience with abortions to establish authority on the topic.
In simple terms: He cites personal involvement as credentials.
Key Takeaway
Experience can legitimize controversial viewpoints.
Themes
authority
ethics
reproductive rights
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- medical training
- legislative debate
- public health advocacy
Key Concepts
clinical practice
public policy
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Does experience always translate to moral authority?
- How should personal history influence policy?
A Different Perspective
Personal involvement may bias perspective.
![“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)
