Why did the National
Organization for Women advocate for abortion prior to
its legalization in 1973?
A. At the time, childbirth still carried a high risk of mortality for the
mother, with a death rate of about 10 percent.
B. Many prominent feminists were unable to participate fully in
politics because they had children.
C. Feminist leaders felt that reproductive choice was an essential
element of women's equality.
D. No safe or
effective birth control method was available, so
feminists felt abortion was an unfortunate necessity.