Abortion in the United States: A Reference Handbook

(Hardback, 2nd edition)

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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 women's 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.

Reviews

This is a worthy addition to public libraries and collections serving undergraduates. Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates and general readers. * Choice *
Over 800 public and academic libraries own the previous edition of this work. This updated and expanded version should be considered by any institution having that book in their collection, as well as by other libraries with readers interested in the topic. * ARBA *

Author Bio

Dorothy E. McBride, PhD, is professor emeritus of political science at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL. Jennifer L. Keys, PhD, is professor of sociology and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at North Central College, Naperville, IL.