“I notice that all those who are in favor of abortion are already born” - - Ronald Reagan Abortion, just saying the word will make your head spin, ears will prick up and tension will rise for everyone present. The topic elicits such strong reactions that it should be included in the list of taboos normally reserved for politics, religion and money. As emotionally charged as the topic of abortion is, the practice itself is actually relatively new. Less than two centuries ago, abortion was not a big problem. This wasn't because society didn't have strong opinions on the topic, but because of where we were in the industrial revolution. 150 years ago most jobs in America required large amounts of manual labor compared to today. Families had to be large to manage the family farm. The families also had many children because many did not live beyond the age of ten. Adult life expectancy was also much shorter than today. As technology advanced along with medicine, the role women were expected to play changed. As people moved to cities and jobs required much more education, the role and need for children changed. Instead of being a source of income (helping on the farm or working in early factories), children increasingly became a financial liability. Furthermore, families did not need to have children out of necessity. Couples today have children because they want someone to love or to carry on their family name. As women started having fewer children and life expectancy doubled, the amount of time spent as full-time moms decreased significantly. (Friedman, 2009) Medical progress since the Roe v. Wade decision has allowed women to have a choice once they become...... middle of paper......ife News Today: www.nationalrighttolifenews .org/news/2011/08/womens-health-after-abortion-the-medical-and -prove-psicologica/#.UxQQgJK9KSMMattes, B. (26 February 2014). “Life News.” Retrieved March 1, 2014, from Planned Parenthood told them their abortion was risk-free, now they can't have children: www.lifenew.com/2014/02/26.planned-parenthood-told-them-their-abortion - was-risk-free-now-can't-have-children/Western Pennsylvania Planned Parenthood. (2014, January 05). "Consulting Services". Retrieved March 4, 2014, from Planned Parenthoold of Western Pennsylvania: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/western-pennsylvania/counseling-services-36356.htmPlanned Parenthood. (2014, Uncle Uncle). “Thinking about abortion.” Retrieved March 1, 2014, from Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/pregnancy/thinking-about-abortion-21519.htm