About the Book
This thought-provoking reference work explores the evolution of America's heated abortion debate in a selection of over 40 primary documents from the 19th century to the present day. The guide includes not only key laws and court cases that have determined abortion policy, but also political speeches, medical essays, theological writings, newspaper advertisements, magazine articles, and popular books that offer insight into America's changing attitudes towards women, race, the medical field, and the role of government in its citizens' personal lives. Each document is preceded by an introduction and is followed by analysis to help readers understand its significance and historical context.
Today abortion is America's most contentious political and religious rallying point. Yet 150 years ago it was a virtual non-issue, quietly performed for centuries by women and mid-wives. What changed? This thought-provoking reference work explores the evolution of America's abortion debate in a balanced selection of over 40 primary documents by doctors, feminists, religious leaders, politicians, extremists, and judges from the 19th century to the present day. This guide not only examines the key laws and court cases, like Roe v. Wade and the Partial Birth Abortion Ban, that have determined abortion policy, but offers insight into America's changing attitudes towards women, race, the medical field, and the role of government in its citizens' personal lives. Memoirs of early abortion providers, excerpts from popular women's self-help books, the complete text of Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae, and personal writings from key liberal and conservative figures on both sides of the debate provide a more complete picture of an issue that is deeply personal, deeply divisive, and anything but clear-cut. A straightforward and accessible book, ideal for both students and general readers looking to expand their understanding of one of the most complicated, and still unresolved, issues of our day.
Each excerpt is preceded by a brief explanation of its significance and followed by author analysis to help readers understand its implications and the historical context in which is it was written. Readers gain direct access to America's most important legal papers and transcripts on abortion, complimented by a well rounded view of the public beliefs and sentiments that have fueled abortion debates. Suggestions for further reading conclude each chapter, perfect for research or to guide interested readers in their search for material. The front matter includes a Timeline of major events in abortion history, and the back matter, offers a Bibliography of 50 titles on abortion and over 30 Web links.
About the Author :
MELODY ROSE is chair of political science at the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. She holds degrees from U.C. Santa Cruz (B.A. with honors and Phi Beta Kappa, 1988) and Cornell University (Masters in Public Affairs, 1991 A. in Government, 1995.D. in Government, 1997). She is the author of a number of articles and books on social and election policy, most recently including Safe, Legal, and Unavailable? (2007, CQ Press), a book evaluating American abortion policy. Dr. Rose is also Founder and Director of NEW Leadership Oregon, which offers political and leadership training programs to college women in Oregon. This program is dedicated to inspiring and educating the next generation of women leaders in our nation.
Review :
This reference work explores the evolution of America's abortion debate with over forty primary documents by doctors, feminists, religious leaders, politicians, extremists, and judges from the 19th century to the present day. It not only examines key laws and court cases that have determined abortion policy, but offers insight into America's changing attitudes towards women, race, the medical field, and the role of government. Memoirs of early abortion providers, excerpts from popular women's self-help books, the complete text of Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae, and personal writings from key pro-abortion and pro-life figures on both sides of the debate provide a more complete picture of an issue that is deeply personal, deeply divisive, and anything but clear-cut. . . . Readers gain direct access to some of America's most important legal papers and transcripts on abortion, complimented by diverse viewpoints of the public beliefs and sentiments that have fueled abortion debates.
Abortion: A Documentary and Reference Guide provides valuable analyses of the primary source documents integrated throughout the text. Both titles are recommended for college and university libraries.'
Reviewed with Abortion in the United States by Dorothy E. McBride
I would recommend this book for social science, medical, historical and legal collections. Those working in clinical sectors may also find it useful.
