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No matter what the motive, love of ease, or a desire to save from suffering the unborn innocent, the woman is awfully guilty who commits the deed. It will burden her conscience in life, it will burden her soul in death, but oh, thrice guilty is he who, for selfish gratification, heedless of her prayers, indifferent to her fate, drove her to the desperation that impelled her to the crime!

Susan B. Anthony#7

AbortionConscienceJudgmentMoralityResponsibility

About this quote

What does it mean?
Anthony discusses the moral responsibility surrounding abortion, condemning the man who drives women to desperation.
In plain terms
Mothers are guilty of the act but men are more guilty for driving them to it.
What can you take from it?
Shared responsibility exists in difficult circumstances.

Where it applies

  • moral debates
  • social issues
  • legal discussions

Putting it to work

  • moral education
  • policy debates
  • social work

Questions to consider

  • Who bears more responsibility?
  • How do we judge difficult choices?

Another view

The views on abortion are dated and controversial by modern standards.

More from Susan B. Anthony

  1. Join the union, girls, and together say Equal Pay for Equal Work.

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. Woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself.

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. I do not demand equal pay for any women save those who do equal work in value. Scorn to be coddled by your employers; make them understand that you are in thei…

    Permalink to quote #5

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