Book Review: Abortion Law and Politics Today

Published date01 March 2000
Date01 March 2000
DOI10.1177/096466390000900110
AuthorDavid R. Roberts
Subject MatterArticles
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BOOK REVIEWS
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concern about corporate crime could be questioned. Finally, it should be pointed out
that the price means that it will probably be restricted to library purchases.
HAZEL CROALL
University of Strathclyde, UK
ELLIE LEE (Ed.), Abortion Law and Politics Today. London: Macmillan, 1998, 256pp.,
£42.50 (hbk).
Abortion Law and Politics Today provides an extremely readable overview of many
of the debates surrounding abortion.
The book is divided into three parts. Part one deals with the position within Britain;
part two describes debates in other countries; and the final part concentrates on
general issues of more recent origin.
Part one opens with a fascinating insight into the circumstances which culminated in
the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act. This account highlights the pragmatism required
of campaigners in the formulation of their objectives, and in the drafting of the legis-
lation to ensure its passage through parliament. This required casting medical prac-
titioners in the role of gatekeepers and consequently the medicalisation of abortion
services. These accounts not only provide the background to the existing status quo but
also provide advice to those who seek further reform. In advocating such reform the
contributions of Sheldon and Bridgeman acknowledge the practical strength of the
current position but argue that change is necessary to meet and respect the needs of
women.
Fisher outlines the position of women living in Wales between 1930 and 1950.
Through her qualitative research she charts the extraordinary lengths to which
women were prepared to go to end an unwanted pregnancy. Her account of her
respondents’ attitudes is extremely useful. Lattimer, through her research at various
pregnancy advisory services, examines the modern-day experiences of women seeking
the end of an unwanted pregnancy.
Part two begins by considering the position in Northern Ireland and the Republic
of Ireland,...

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