Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of a fetus or embryo from the uterus before it is viable. It can also occur unconsciously, a phenomenon known as “miscarriage.” For centuries the Church accepted abortion and the law did not punish it. Anti-abortion laws began in the United States in the 19th century, and by the 20th century many states banned abortion. Abortion laws have been passed for many reasons, such as concern for women's health, the need for the medical profession, religious culture and fear, etc. Laws and court decisions regarding abortion have changed and have greatly influenced American politics and public opinion over the past 50 years. Even though court decisions impose severe restrictions on abortions. However, the more abortions are allowed in America, the more accepted they seem to be in today's society. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the history of abortion, the harsh court decisions and the effect on public opinions. Throughout history Americans' opinions on abortion have been evenly divided between the three options offered, whether abortion should be offered to those who want it without limitations, offered with limitations, or whether it should be prohibited. Although Americans remain divided on the issue of abortion, a majority would like to see stricter limits on abortion in the United States. According to a poll conducted by the New York Times and CBS, “Democrats and women are more likely to prefer that abortion be generally available to those who want it.” Te, M. (2007, April 19). Abortion laws and related cases continue to be an important issue in today's society and will continue to shape American laws. Aristotle recognized that if a couple exceeds...... middle of paper... stronger legislation regarding abortion rights Americans should spend more resources to develop stricter regulations on the care of unwanted children after birth . There are too many unwanted children in America living in abusive homes, and most of these children suffer physical, sexual, and mental abuse on a daily basis. In conclusion, abortion is a big problem all over the world. Abortion is preventing a human being from being born. Women who have an abortion can face many consequences. A woman must consider that she is putting her life and that of her baby at risk. However, some people think that having an abortion is a good idea. For this reason, the government has not completely abolished abortion because many women believe that no one should interfere when it comes to making a decision about their body. They believe that their rights should not be violated.