Back in the 17th century, what did people do when they needed abortions? What else did they manage to do. What's the history behind it?
Answers (1)
Certain herbs cause uterine contractions or kill the fetus outright. Tansy is one such herb. The fungus ergot will expel a fetus, but no one in her right mind will willingly take ergot (it causes terrifying hallucinations and gangrene). I think medical procedures to induce an abortion were unknown.