ABSTRACT
Of particular concern were abortions performed late in pregnancy. Partial-birth abortions became a phrase of political art. Statutes were crafted. Early attempts foundered for failing to consider the health of the mother. After several failed attempts, a strange and strained federal statute was adopted, protecting life during the latter stages of pregnancy, not in principle but by anatomical markers as the infant emerged from the birth canal. Medical practices took account of, and adjusted to, these markers as late-term abortions continued.
