Abortion has been defined as the termination of a pregnancy and is a very controversial subject (Abortion). The heated debate over the legalization and restriction of abortion has raged for many years. During the women's rights movement from 1848 to 1920, not only did women fight for their right to be treated like everyone else, but they also fought for the right to birth control and reproductive rights (ushistory.org ). By introducing the birth control pill in the 1960s, women were finally able to control their pregnancies (ushistory.org). Many contraceptive methods have been developed over time, including the barrier method, the hormonal method, the intrauterine method, and the sterilization method, according to Eunice Kennedy Shriver National. Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Barrier methods, also known as male condoms, female condoms, and diaphragms, are all designed to prevent sperm from entering the uterus (nichd.nih.gov). Hormonal birth control methods regulate or stop periods and prevent pregnancy (nichd.nih. government). The hormones used for this type of contraception can be absorbed into the body using pills, injections, skin patches, transdermal gels, vaginal rings, intrauterine systems, and implantable rods (nichd .nih.gov). These pills may prevent ovulation by thickening cervical mucus, which helps prevent sperm from connecting to the egg. The pills can also thin the uterus, making it more difficult for the fertilized egg to attach. How your body responds to birth control depends on the type of hormone your body absorbs (nichd.nih.gov). There are two different types of intrauterine methods, the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD. The copper IUD is inserted into the uterus and can remain there for many years...... middle of paper ......abortionoverview.html nichd.nih.gov. “What are the different types of contraception?” Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, November 30, 2012. Web. (December 4) http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/contraception/conditioninfo/Pages/types.aspx#hor monalSaad, L. “Americans Still Divided Between “Prochoice” and “Prolife” Lines » » Gallup Politics. Gallup, May 14, 2011. Web. (December 4) http://www.gallup.com/poll/147734/americans-split-along-pro-choice-pro-life-lines.aspxPazol, K."Abortion Surveillance--United States", 2009. Abortion Surveillance--United States, 2009. November 23, 2012. Centers of Disease Control. Internet. (December 4) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6108a1.htm?s_cid=ss6108a1_w ushistory.org. “The Struggle for Reproductive Rights.” Online Handbook of United States History, 2013. Web. (December 4) http://www.ushistory.org/us/57b.asp