In 1906, the United States faced a significant issue with illegal abortions. During this time, abortion was considered a criminal act in most states, and women seeking to terminate their pregnancies often resorted to dangerous and clandestine methods. The lack of safe and legal options for women led to numerous health risks and even fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for reform in this area.

In the early 20th century, societal attitudes towards abortion were influenced by a combination of religious, moral, and societal factors. Many believed that abortion was morally wrong and posed a threat to the sanctity of life. As a result, laws were enacted across the country to restrict and criminalize the practice, with exceptions typically limited to cases where the life of the mother was at risk.

The criminalization of abortion, however, did not eliminate the demand for it. Women faced with unwanted pregnancies often found themselves in desperate situations, unable to access safe and legal options. As a result, they turned to illegal providers who operated in secret, often in unsanitary conditions, and without proper medical training.

These illegal abortions were carried out using various dangerous methods. Some women resorted to self-induced abortions, using toxic substances, such as herbs, chemicals, or even dangerous instruments. Others sought the help of unqualified practitioners who would perform the procedure in back-alley clinics, often leading to severe complications, infections, and even death.

The lack of reliable data on illegal abortions during this period makes it difficult to quantify the exact number of cases and their impact. However, reports suggest that maternal mortality rates were significantly higher due to complications arising from unsafe abortions. Women who survived these procedures often suffered long-term health consequences, including infertility, chronic pain, and emotional trauma.

The dire situation surrounding illegal abortions in 1906 prompted calls for reform. Advocacy groups and medical professionals began to push for changes in legislation to provide safe and legal access to abortion services. They argued that criminalization only drove the practice underground, putting women's lives at risk.

Progress towards reform was slow, but significant strides were made in the following decades. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a wave of change, with several states beginning to relax their abortion laws. The landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade in 1973 recognized a woman's constitutional right to access abortion, legalizing it nationwide.

The legalization of abortion marked a turning point in women's reproductive rights and significantly reduced the incidence of unsafe procedures. It allowed women to make informed decisions about their own bodies and seek medical care from qualified professionals.

However, the issue of abortion remains highly contentious in the United States. The legality and accessibility of abortion services continue to be debated, with ongoing efforts by anti-abortion groups and lawmakers to restrict or overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.