Marilyn French

In the following viewpoint, Marilyn French contends that abortion gives women the freedom to control their bodies, a freedom which women lacked until the twentieth century. She argues that much of the opposition to abortion comes from patriarchal institutions, such as the state and the church, which believe that women should be the property of men. French argues that if abortion is made illegal, men will, through rape, be able to compel women to become mothers. French is a literary critic and author whose works include The War Against Women.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to French, what was the punishment for women in ancient Assyria who performed abortions?
2. What is the first principle of patriarchy, in the author’s opinion?
3. In addition to abortion, what other right does...