New Twists in the Abortion Debate Readers discuss a threat to women’s rights and a novel interpretation of the 14th Amendment by the religious right. April 11, 2021 To the Editor: The pro-life movement has failed to recognize a crucial fact: Abortion has always existed, even where laws ban it. No public censure, legislation or punishment, not even protection of the fetus under the 14th Amendment, would prevent all abortions. But we do know how to reduce the number of abortions. Comprehensive and accurate sex education and easy access to contraception, including for teenagers, have been proved to reduce abortions. Many abortion opponents resist those programs.