Abortion in the United States: A Reference Handbook (Contemporary World Issues)

About this book

Distinctive in its use of two disciplinary lensessociology and political scienceAbortion in the United States provides a balanced scholarly analysis of the most salient issues in the pro-life/pro-choice debate. According to the CDC more than 660 000 legal abortions were performed in the United States in 2013 yet despite these numbers or perhaps because of them the abortion war rages on in state legislatures in Congress and in court rooms. This work offers an eye-opening look at the enduring cultural clash between reproductive rights activists who have argued that access to safe legal abortion is critical for ensuring womens equality and impassioned activists seeking to overturn Roe v. Wade who fervently believe that abortion is unethical. Written for high school and college students as well as for general audiences seeking to better understand opposing viewpoints it gives readers essential background information and addresses persistent questions regarding the abortion debate. The new Perspectives chapter features the compelling voices of those engaged in the front lines of this battle alongside those of scholars from a range of disciplinary perspectives. Notable activists and leading advocacy groups are profiled followed by the latest data on abortion rates and public opinion. Carefully curated documents and recommended news outlets websites documentaries and academic readings invite continued exploration.