Horatio Storer

American physician and anti-abortion activist

Horatio Storer, 19th-century physician and anti-abortion activist

Horatio Robinson Storer (February 27, 1830 – September 18, 1922) was an American physician and a prominent figure in the 19th-century anti-abortion movement. He is best known for his efforts to criminalize abortion in the United States and for his contributions to the field of gynecology.

Early life and education

Horatio Storer was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to David Humphreys Storer, a noted physician and naturalist, and Abby Jane Brewer. He was educated at the Boston Latin School and later attended Harvard College, where he graduated in 1850. Storer pursued his medical education at the Harvard Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1853.

Medical career

After completing his medical education, Storer traveled to Europe to further his studies in obstetrics and gynecology. He studied under prominent physicians in Paris and Edinburgh, gaining valuable experience in the emerging field of women's health. Upon returning to the United States, Storer established a successful medical practice in Boston, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

Anti-abortion advocacy

Storer is best known for his vigorous campaign against abortion, which he viewed as a moral and medical issue. In the mid-19th century, abortion was a common practice, often performed by untrained individuals, leading to high rates of maternal mortality. Storer believed that abortion was not only dangerous but also morally wrong.

In 1857, Storer became a leading figure in the American Medical Association's (AMA) efforts to criminalize abortion. He argued that physicians had a duty to protect the unborn and that abortion was a violation of medical ethics. Storer's advocacy led to the formation of the AMA's "Committee on Criminal Abortion," which he chaired. The committee's work resulted in the adoption of resolutions condemning abortion and calling for stricter laws against the practice.

Contributions to gynecology

In addition to his anti-abortion work, Storer made significant contributions to the field of gynecology. He was a pioneer in the development of surgical techniques for the treatment of ovarian cysts and other gynecological conditions. Storer published numerous articles and books on women's health, helping to establish gynecology as a distinct medical specialty.

Later life and legacy

Storer continued to practice medicine and advocate for anti-abortion laws throughout his life. He retired from active practice in the early 20th century but remained involved in medical and social issues until his death in 1922.

Storer's legacy is complex. While he is credited with advancing the field of gynecology and improving women's health care, his anti-abortion activism has been a subject of controversy. His efforts contributed to the criminalization of abortion in the United States, a legal framework that persisted until the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.

Related pages

• Abortion in the United States
• History of abortion
• American Medical Association
• Gynecology