Abortion
A Documentary and Reference Guide

Abortion is America's contentious political and religious rallying point, and debates in the USA over the issue make headlines worldwide. This title explores the evolution of America's abortion debate in a selection of over 40 documents by doctors, feminists, religious leaders, politicians, extremists, and judges from 19th century onwards.

Memoirs of early abortion providers, excerpts from popular women's self-help books, the complete text of Pope Paul VI's encyclical Humanae Vitae, which re-affirmed the Roman Catholic Church's opposition to abortion and contraception, 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. This is 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.