Abortion and the Politics of Motherhood: Volume 3

by Luker Kristen and Kristin Luker

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520055977
• ISBN13: 9780520055971
• Release Date: August 1985
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.2"

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.