Midwives and doctors utilized probes or vigorous physical activity (jumping, heavy lifting) to terminate pregnancies.
Potent herbs like pennyroyal, rue, and Queen Anne’s Lace were used to induce contractions. Contraception and Abortion from the Ancient Wor...
The most famous contraceptive of antiquity. A giant fennel from Cyrene so effective and popular it was harvested to extinction by the 1st century CE. Midwives and doctors utilized probes or vigorous physical
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 A giant fennel from Cyrene so effective and
Wealthy women had access to "professional" midwives and discreet herbalists, while the poor often relied on dangerous folk remedies. ⚠️ A Note on Safety
Ancient societies relied heavily on "herbalism" to prevent pregnancy. Many methods were surprisingly effective, though others were purely symbolic.
In some cultures, women drank solutions containing toxic metals. While they prevented pregnancy, they often caused organ failure or death. ⚕️ Abortion: Surgical and Chemical