Abortion is a method of contraception that can be taken after a child is conceived and develops in a woman's body. However, this method of contraception has caused a lot of controversy over the years and many people believe that this procedure should be discontinued permanently. Despite critics' opinions, women should have the right to have an abortion because they enjoy human rights that allow them to have freedom of choice. Additionally, they may have extenuating circumstances that lead them to consider an abortion; deciding whether or not to have a child is a delicate and private matter; and finally, if the government bans abortion, it could lead women to take drastic measures that could ultimately lead to serious internal damage or even death. According to the National Abortion Federation, abortion has been practiced for thousands of years in countless civilizations. In America in particular, around the time the Constitution was adopted, abortion rates were increasing because the procedure was both widely advertised and performed during this time. Abortion first became controversial in the United States in the mid-to-late 1800s, when states began passing laws making abortion illegal. Each state had different motivations for creating these laws banning abortion; although due to the time period, one of the most prevalent reasons throughout the country revolved around the fear that the population would be dominated by the children of immigrants due to the abortion of children born in the United States in the uterus. Another reason was due to the increasing mortality rate at the time, as lawmakers feared that abortions would reduce the birth rate and that both of these factors would decrease the country's overall population. (National Abortion Federation) Years ago...... middle of document ......ethics/Abortion.htm>."Is medical abortion dangerous." Women on the Web. Women on the Web, nd Web. May 11, 2014. “Our stories”. NARAL Pro-Choice America. NARAL Pro-Choice America and NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation, nd Web. May 11, 2014. Hambsy, Yvonne. “Is Better Access to Sex Education and Contraceptive Methods Behind the Latest Significant Drop in Abortion Rates?” Analysis and commentary on current events on reproductive and sexual health and justice. RH Reality Check, December 12, 2012. Web. May 6, 2014. “What are human rights? ". United Nations Human Rights, nd Web. May 12 2014. .