1970s: After decades of resistance to the distribution of contraceptive information or devices, contraception devices are now available. Roe v. Wade legalizes abortion in 1973, and women gain the right to choose to end unwanted pregnancies within the first trimester. However, in 1976, Congress outlaws the use of Medicaid funding for abortions, a decision that mostly affects poor women.

Today: While thousands of elective abortions are performed across the United States, pro-life advocates continue to fight against legalized abortion.

1970s: The 1970s are shaped by the possibility of an Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution that would state that men and women are equal before the law. In 1972, Phyllis Schlafly organizes Stop ERA, but in 1973 the proposal for an Equal Rights Amendment passes in Congress. State ratification gets bogged down, however, and by 1979 the ratification period has ended, and ERA fails.

Today: Equality between the sexes...