Question

question 8 of 28
why did the national organization for women advocate for abortion prior to its legalization in 1973?

a. many prominent feminists were unable to participate fully in politics because they had children.

b. feminist leaders felt that reproductive choice was an essential element of women’s equality.

c. at the time, childbirth still carried a high risk of mortality for the mother, with a death rate of about 10 percent.

d. no safe or effective birth control method was available, so feminists felt abortion was an unfortunate necessity.

Explanation:

• Option A: The advocacy for abortion wasn't mainly about feminists with children participating in politics, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: The National Organization for Women (NOW) and feminist leaders viewed reproductive choice, including the right to abortion, as crucial for women's equality. This aligns with the feminist movement's focus on women's autonomy over their bodies.
• Option C: By 1973, childbirth mortality rates were not around 10 percent, and this wasn't the main reason for advocating abortion, so C is wrong.
• Option D: Safe and effective birth control methods were available, so D's reasoning is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Feminist leaders felt that reproductive choice was an essential element of women’s equality.