Abortion, Medicine and the Law

This resource has now been completely revised and updated from its third edition, published in 1986. It stands as a sourcebook for anyone seriously interested in researching the subject of abortion. Fully discussed herein is every facet of the one issue in contemporary America that cuts more sharply across more political, religious, legal and moral lines than any other. The volume gathers 30 current articles - most written expressly for this volume and published here for the first time, presenting views on the subject by leading authorities in the fields of bioethics, law, medicine, psychology and government. Topics covered include: the issues of a minor's right to confidentiality; the psychological aspects of unwanted pregnancy and its resolution; foetal rights; prenatal development; the partner's role in the abortion decision; the uses of fetal tissue; the controversial abortion pill RU486; the abnormal fetus; and the concepts of wrongful death and wrongful life. Also included are historical studies, supported with statistics, on US abortion practices, states versus Supreme Court legislation, and the legal implications on fetal rights.
Also, laws governing abortion in other countries are detailed to give readers a comparative international viewpoint on the issue.