What Would Hippocrates Say? Roe v. Wade, Abortion, and a Disappearing Oath

A look back at the original Hippocratic Oath provides a startling glimpse at just how much values—and the physician’s covenant—have changed over the past century

The Hippocratic oath has undergone many revisions throughout the centuries. In earlier versions, physicians solemnly took their vows before the divine. The injunction to not do harm was followed by the statement: “I will keep pure and holy both my life and my art.” Biba Kayewich

If you sought out a physician in 4th century B.C. Greece seeking an abortion, chances are, you would be out of luck.

Ditto for 2nd century Rome. Or 10th century France. Or just about anywhere thereafter, prior to the advent of the 20th century.