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.