Final answer:
In the United States, therapeutic abortions were sometimes allowed in certain circumstances even when abortion was illegal. This was typically the case when the pregnant woman's life or health was endangered, when the fetus had severe physical or mental defects, or when the pregnancy resulted from r ape or incest.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, therapeutic abortions were sometimes allowed when abortion was illegal if the pregnant woman's life or physical or mental health were endangered, if the fetus would be born with a severe physical or mental defect, or if the pregnancy had resulted from r ape or incest. In 1972, four states permitted abortions without restrictions and thirteen others allowed for therapeutic abortions. Abortion laws varied across different states, with some states completely prohibiting abortions while others imposed heavy restrictions.