Prawno-społeczne aspekty zabójstw dzieci narodzonych i aborcji na Śląsku w latach 1742-1914

Abstract

The article is a review study. In the first part the author presents a review of the opinions on the termination of pregnancy from the ancient times until modernity, focusing particularly on the development of terminology and meanings implied in it. The article proves that detailed penalization of the termination of pregnancy – until modern times equated with a murder – depended on the chronology of pregnancy. The author distinguishes an abortion (termination of pregnancy) from the murder of a newborn child. In the Prussian law, severe punishments (including the capital punishment) were administered for both deeds. In the second part of the article, the author discusses practical aspects of the protection of unborn children, the problem of pregnancy termination and murders of newborns committed by mothers, midwifes and folk healers.