A method of unsafe abortion that has been practiced since the early 20th century involves the use of wire hangers.

The pregnancy is terminated by breaking the amniotic sac inside the womb with a sharp object or wire (for example an straightened wire clothes hanger or knitting needle).

^[0]This method can cause infection or injury to internal organs (for example perforating the uterus or intestines), resulting in death.

^[-1]The uterus softens during pregnancy and is very easy to pierce, so one traditional method was to use a large feather.

^[2]Because these instruments aren't and sterile and are unlikely to be properly sterilized, infection is also a danger.

The dangers involved with so-called back alley abortions like coat hanger abortions and those done by imbibing toxins are often cited in arguments for legalized abortion.

In 2014 a woman in Utah was charged for aborting her pregnancy with a wire hanger.

The judge dismissed the charged because of the difficulty the woman faced getting a legal abortion in a restrictive state.