At the time of the independence of the United States, English common law on abortion applied in most of the then states, and abortion was not permitted after quickening , that is after the start of fetal movements . James Wilson , a framer of the US Constitution , explained the view as follows:
“ With consistency, beautiful and undeviating, human life, from its commencement to its close, is protected by the common law. In the contemplation of law, life begins when the infant is first able to stir in the womb. By the law, life is protected not only from immediate destruction, but from every degree of actual violence, and, in some cases, from every degree of danger. [ 5 ] ”