This worldwide survey of abortion politics examines the paradox that abortion is an intensely personal issue which has become extremely public, even bringing down governments. The author argues that abortion should be made legal, accessible, affordable and acceptable all over the world.

Abortion is still not talked about. Few women admit to having one. It is too personal, and it is still taboo. Yet this intimate personal issue has become sensationally and bewilderingly public, it has even brought down governments, a paradox which the author found intriguing enough to start her on the project of this book. In this worldwide survey of abortion politics, Janet Hadley argues that abortion should be legal, accessible, affordable and accepted the world over. This edition contains an epilogue that discusses changes and events that occurred since the publication in 1996.