Product Description

In this important study of the abortion controversy in the United States, Kristin Luker examines the issues, people, and beliefs on both sides of the abortion conflict. She draws data from twenty years of public documents and newspaper accounts, as well as over two hundred interviews with both pro-life and pro-choice activists. She argues that moral positions on abortion are intimately tied to views on sexual behavior, the care of children, family life, technology, and the importance of the individual.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #184506 in Books
• Published on: 1985-08-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 324 pages

New York Times Book Review
Demonstrates that the controversy derives its intensity not from differences of ideology or religion but from the radically antithetical social circumstances of the combatants. The abortion debate is unlikely to find a more intelligent or compassionate chronicler.

About the Author
Kristin Luker is Professor of Law and Sociology at the University of California Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall). She is also the author of Dubious Conceptions: The Politics of Teenage Pregnancy (1996) and, with Jean Fox O'Barr, Feminism in Action: Building Institutions and Community through Women's Studies (1994).

Customer Reviews

A great balanced look at abortion
This is a great book about abortion. The author tried to be as even-handed as possible by using extensive interviews from both pro-life and pro-choice people. Ms. Luker also draws on many public documents as well so this book is thoroughly researched. This is a great, informative book for anyone (pro-life, pro-choice, don't know) because it does show all sides to the debate. In this day and age where the abortion issue is front and center, this is a book everyone should read at least once.

A Guide to Understanding the Abortion Debate
Luker should be commended for her tremendous contribution with this book. _Abortion and the Politics of Motherhood_ tackles a phenomenal project, namely, charting the history of attitudes towards abortion. She does through a thorough analysis of historical sources (concentrating mainly on attitudes and later legislation in the US but starting with ancient Western philosophies) and continues through the present day where she begins to interweave personal stories of women (both pro-life and pro-choice) with her narrative. I was continually impressed with both Luker's fine writing as well as her skill in being able to analyze philosophy, history, the law, and oral history and meld it all into a gripping narrative.

An honest attempt at a less biased presentation of the issue
The authors provide an intelligent perspective of the abortion issue. They were quick to identify few readers pick up a book on this subject without attempting to determine the slant. It was refreshing that the authors went to some effort to present the issues from the perspectives of those involved rather than a rant on justifying the author's position over the reader's. This is neither an editorial or a novel but a good reference for those on either side of the abortion issue to learn another perspective and not get assaulted in the process.