University of West Georgia
History professor at the University of West Georgia; Author of Defenders of the Unborn: The Pro-Life Movement Before Roe v Wade
PROFILE
Daniel Williams
Guest
FROM Daniel Williams
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
When did the abortion debate in America begin? Abortion has come up again and again on the presidential campaign trail and, no surprise, the rhetoric is split along partisan lines. Most Republicans are “pro-life” and want to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Most Democrats, on the other hand, are “pro-choice.” But it wasn’t always that way. Before Roe v Wade, the anti-abortion movement was driven mostly by Catholics, who were overwhelmingly Democrats. And in the 1960s, most of the state laws that opened up access to abortions were introduced and supported by Republicans. That’s according to Daniel Williams, a history professor at the University of West Georgia, and author of Defenders of the Unborn: The Pro-Life Movement Before Roe v Wade . So when did the abortion debate in America begin?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
The History of Abortion Politics Abortion has come up again and again on the campaign trail, and the rhetoric is (no surprise) split along partisan lines. Republicans want to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Democrats largely favor abortion rights. But it wasn’t always that way. Before Roe v. Wade, the anti-abortion movement was driven mostly by Catholics, who were overwhelmingly Democrats. And in the ‘60s, most of the state laws that opened up access to abortions were introduced and supported by Republicans. That’s according to a new book by Daniel Williams, a history professor at the University of West Georgia. Madeleine talks to him about his latest work.
Recommended
The Business
Revisiting showrunner Steven Bochco on his memoir Steven Bochco, the writer-producer behind record-breaking Emmy winners Hill Street Blues, LA Law and NYPD Blue, fought battles with everyone from out-of-control actors to network censors in his long career. He isn’t afraid to tell those tales in his memoir, Truth Is a Total Defense. This week we revisit the conversation where he shared some of his favorite stories with us.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What did Trump accomplish on his first trip abroad? President Trump is wrapping up his Mideast and European tour. We find out what he has accomplished -- good and bad -- and look at what he faces when he comes home.
The Treatment
Lucia Micarelli: An Evening with Lucia Micarelli Violinist and actress Lucia Micarelli visits The Treatment to discuss her emotive performances as she prepares for PBS' An Evening with Lucia Micarelli.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Previewing James Comey's blockbuster testimony Former FBI director James Comey testifies Thursday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, but his opening statement has been released. In it, he says he felt pressured by Donald Trump to declare loyalty to him and publicly clear him of any wrongdoing in the Russia investigation.