Abortion Quote by Edith Summerskill, Baroness Summerskill
“Historically the opposition to abortion and birth control ... stemmed from the urgency of the need to decrease the mortality and morbidity rates and to increase the population ... in the matter of abortion the human rights of the mother with her family must take precedence over the survival of a few weeks' old foetus without sense or sensibility.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary Debate, United Kingdom, 1960s
Opposition to abortion and birth control historically aimed to reduce maternal mortality and boost population, prioritizing mothers' rights over fetal survival.
In simple terms: Historically, abortion opposition focused on health and population, valuing mothers over embryos.
Key Takeaway
Balance maternal health with reproductive rights.
Themes
ethics
public health
population
reproductive rights
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
ethical
policy
When to use this quote
- policy making
- healthcare planning
- ethical discussion
Key Concepts
maternal mortality
population growth
rights hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies balance maternal health and fetal rights?
- What modern policies reflect these historic concerns?
A Different Perspective
Complex trade‑offs can oversimplify individual rights.
