A 1952 pamphlet attributed to Planned Parenthood has been making waves in the pro-life world. After first re-emerging a few years ago, the document has received renewed attention amid ongoing political debate surrounding the women’s health care organization.
And when you see what’s inside, you’ll understand why the text is sparking some intrigue.
I just came across a @PPact pamphlet from 1952 where they say that abortion "kills the life of a baby". We should send them a copy today! pic.twitter.com/cRQgZP9WhF
— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) April 20, 2017
The pamphlet, titled, “Plan Your Children: For Health and Happiness,” focuses on the value of birth control. But it’s a section about abortion — which wasn’t fully legalized nationwide until two decades later in 1973 — that has grabbed the most attention.
The flier proclaims that birth control is “definitely not” an abortion and draws a distinction between preventing pregnancies and ending them, including an admission that seems oddly in line with many pro-lifers’ views.
"Abortion is dangerous to your life & health. It may make you sterile"
-PlannedParenthood 1952This is the only truth by @PPact in 100yrs pic.twitter.com/Tufr7TjY7i
— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) April 20, 2017
“An abortion requires an operation. It kills the life of a baby after it has begun,” the text reads. “It is dangerous to your life and health. It may make you sterile so that when you want a child you cannot have it. Birth control merely postpones the beginning of life.”
The “Plan Your Children” pamphlet was reportedly uncovered a few years back by pro-life group Live Action. Another document attributed to Planned Parenthood that was published a few years later also carried similar language about ending the life of a baby.
And a pamphlet in 1963 titled, “ABCs of Birth Control” reportedly proclaimed that “one sperm plus one egg = one baby.”
Yet another @PPact pamphlet from when they told women that abortion"kills the life of a baby".This was before the days of ultrasounds. pic.twitter.com/vYfjSDlh5c
— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) April 21, 2017
Flash-forward a few decades and Planned Parenthood is using much more benign language, avoiding mentioning the word “baby” to describe how in-clinic procedures are conducted. Read more about the Planned Parenthood debate here.
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