reproductive health rights

The defendant, 52 years old, appealed a conviction stemming from the rape of a 13-year-old girl. The victim became pregnant following the assault, and the defendant supplied her with pills to prevent intestinal worms. The pills resulted in the victim experiencing minor bleeding.  Following a trial, the defendant was sentenced to prison for 15 years for aggravated rape and four years for attempted abortion.

In United States v. One Package of Japanese Pessaries, 86 F.2d 737 (2d Cir. 1936), the United States government seized a shipment of contraceptive devices mailed from Japan to a licensed New York physician, arguing that their import violated section 305(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, which at the time prohibited the import of contraceptives. The doctor maintained that the contraceptive devices were intended for patients whose health could be endangered by pregnancy.