Why not? A book for every woman

This mid‑century medical treatise was commissioned by the American Medical Association as a prize essay intended for every woman. Its author, a Harvard obstetrician, sets out a clear, data‑driven case against induced miscarriage, arguing that the practice poses grave risks to health and to the nation’s future. Written in a straightforward, almost conversational style, the work blends clinical observation with moral urgency, aiming to inform readers about the hidden prevalence of the procedure.

The essay surveys what doctors have done to curb the practice, outlines the physical dangers it presents, and probes the social excuses that sustain it. It also sketches practical alternatives—both public and private—that could protect women and prevent unwanted outcomes. Listeners will hear a snapshot of 1860s medical discourse, a rare glimpse into the early public‑health debate over reproductive choice, and a compelling call for informed, collective action.