Early doctors like Soranus of Ephesus (2nd century CE) incorrectly believed women were most fertile right after menstruation, leading to ineffective timing strategies.
In some cultures, women drank solutions containing toxic metals. While they prevented pregnancy, they often caused organ failure or death. ⚕️ Abortion: Surgical and Chemical Contraception and Abortion from the Ancient Wor...
Ancient medical texts are historical documents. Many substances mentioned—like or lead —are highly toxic and can be fatal. Early doctors like Soranus of Ephesus (2nd century
Generally permitted. The Stoics believed a fetus was not a "person" until it breathed air. Legislation usually focused on the father's right to his offspring rather than the "rights" of the fetus. ⚕️ Abortion: Surgical and Chemical Ancient medical texts
Abortion was widely practiced, though views on it varied by culture and the stage of the pregnancy. Techniques
Midwives and doctors utilized probes or vigorous physical activity (jumping, heavy lifting) to terminate pregnancies.