Contraception And Abortion From The Ancient Wor... May 2026

Potent herbs like pennyroyal, rue, and Queen Anne’s Lace were used to induce contractions.

Wealthy women had access to "professional" midwives and discreet herbalists, while the poor often relied on dangerous folk remedies. ⚠️ A Note on Safety Contraception and Abortion from the Ancient Wor...

While it contains a line against providing "pessaries to cause abortion," historians debate if this was a total ban or a specific rejection of dangerous, invasive methods. 🏛️ Social and Legal Context Potent herbs like pennyroyal, rue, and Queen Anne’s

Potent herbs like pennyroyal, rue, and Queen Anne’s Lace were used to induce contractions.

Wealthy women had access to "professional" midwives and discreet herbalists, while the poor often relied on dangerous folk remedies. ⚠️ A Note on Safety

While it contains a line against providing "pessaries to cause abortion," historians debate if this was a total ban or a specific rejection of dangerous, invasive methods. 🏛️ Social and Legal Context