Describe two problems tackled by feminist movements in the USA in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Introduction:
The 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a resurgence of feminist activism in the United States, often referred to as the "second wave" of feminism. This period saw women mobilizing for social, political, and economic equality. This essay will focus on two key problems tackled by feminist movements during this era: the fight for reproductive rights, particularly access to safe and legal abortion, and the struggle for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

Body Paragraph 1: The Fight for Abortion Rights
Prior to the 1960s, access to abortion was severely restricted in most states, often forcing women to seek unsafe and illegal procedures. This lack of reproductive control had dire consequences for women's health and autonomy. The burgeoning feminist movement recognized this injustice and made abortion rights a central demand. Organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW), founded in 1966, advocated fiercely for the legalization of abortion. This movement culminated in the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide. This victory, however, faced intense opposition. Religious groups and social conservatives mobilized against abortion, arguing for the rights of the unborn and framing abortion as a moral abomination. This opposition continues to this day, illustrating the ongoing struggle over reproductive rights.

Body Paragraph 2: The Battle for the Equal Rights Amendment
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), first introduced in 1923, experienced a resurgence during the second wave of feminism. The ERA aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Proponents argued that it would end legal distinctions based on sex in areas like employment, property rights, and divorce, ensuring women equal opportunities and protections under the law. However, the ERA faced unexpected and fierce opposition. Opponents, often led by conservative women, argued that the ERA would have unintended negative consequences for women, such as making them subject to the military draft or removing legal protections like alimony. Despite strong support, the ERA ultimately failed to achieve ratification by the required number of states by the 1982 deadline, dealing a significant blow to the feminist movement.

Conclusion:
The feminist movements of the 1960s and early 1970s achieved a major victory with the legalization of abortion in Roe v. Wade, fundamentally changing the landscape of women's reproductive rights. However, the ongoing opposition to abortion rights demonstrates the fragility of this victory and the continuing struggle for reproductive justice. The failure of the ERA, despite strong public support, highlights the challenges faced by feminist movements in achieving full legal equality for women. These two issues remain highly relevant today, demonstrating the lasting impact of these struggles and the continued debate surrounding women's rights in American society.