Synopses & Reviews
The term "reproductive politics" was coined by feminists in the 1970s to describe contemporary Roe v. Wade-era power struggles over contraception and abortion, adoption and surrogacy, and other satellite issues. Forty years later, questions about reproductive rights are just as complex--and controversial--as they were then. Focusing mainly on the United States, Reproductive Politics explores the legal, political, religious, social, ethical, and medical dimensions of this hotly contested arena.
Tracing the historical roots of reproductive politics up through the present, Rickie Solinger adopts a question-and-answer format to shed light on such questions as: are sex and reproduction "private" or "public" matters? When was abortion decriminalized in the United States--and why? What is "abstinence only" sex education? And how is reproductive politics a men's issue as well as a women's issue? The answers are informative and balanced, and sometimes quite surprising. We learn that the number of illegal abortions before Roe was about the same as the number of legal abortions after Roe-about one million a year; and that women are the primary earners in 40 percent of American households and head 85 percent of single-parent households-one reason access to affordable daycare has become a key factor in a woman's decision to reproduce.
Offering a wide range of information in an accessible and lively manner, Solinger orients readers and provides the knowledge necessary to follow the debates in this important and continually evolving field.
Review
"Researchers interested in the full context of abortion rights and other reproductive issues will appreciate this helpful guide."--LIBRARY JOURNAL
Synopsis
Reproductive politics is one of the most contentious arenas of American life. The term describes power struggles over contraception and abortion; race, sterilization, and social provision; adoption and surrogacy; and other related issues. Since the '70s, when the court granted women the ability to choose, public officials have used legislatures, courts, and the media to define, advocate, and attempt to legislate a complex array of public powers over female reproduction. The issue of female fertility and its consequences to the state became the subject of constant, sometimes violent debate that continues to defy resolution and shape national politics in the twenty-first century. Focusing on the United States, Solinger's book will explore the historical, legal, political, religious, social, ethical, medical, and other dimensions of reproductive politics.
Synopsis
Reproductive politics is a term coined by feminists in the 1970s to describe contemporary,
Roe v. Wade-era power struggles over contraception and abortion, adoption and surrogacy, and other satellite issues. Forty years later, questions of reproductive rights are just as complex--and controversial--as they were then. Focusing mainly on the United States,
Reproductive Politics explores the legal, political, religious, social, ethical, and medical dimensions of this hotly contested arena.
Tracing the historical roots of reproductive politics up through the present, Rickie Solinger adopts a question-and-answer format to shed light on such questions as: are sex and reproduction "private" or "public" matters? When was abortion criminalized in the United States--and why? What is "abstinence only" sex education? And how is "reproductive politics" a men's issue as well as a women's issue? Covering a substantial range of information in an accessible and lively manner, Solinger orients readers and provides the knowledge necessary to enter into dialogue with this important and continually evolving field.
About the Author
Rickie Solinger is a historian and curator. She has written and edited a number of books about reproductive politics, including
Wake Up Little Susie: Single Pregnancy and Race before Roe v. Wade and
Beggars and Choosers: How the Politics of Choice Shapes Adoption, Abortion, and Welfare in the U.S. Solinger has organized exhibitions that have traveled to 140 college and university galleries over the past eighteen years. She lives in the Hudson Valley and New York City.
Table of Contents
OUTLINE
1. What is "Reproductive Politics"
2. Why History Matters
3. The Legal Context
4. Religious Views and Their Impacts
5. Population Issues and Reproductive Politics
6. Public Policy and Reproductive Politics
7. Contemporary "Values" Debates over Reproductive Politics
8. Teenage Pregnancy and Single Pregnancy in the U.S.
10. Contemporary Abortion Politics I: Opinions and Science
11. Contemporary Abortion Politics II: Experience and Practice
12. Contemporary Abortion Politics III: Activism, Law, and Public Policy
13. Fetuses
14. Family PLanning and Reproductive Technologies
15. Adoption
16. The Environment and Reproductive Politics
17. Disability and Reproductive Politics
18. Birthing and Reproductive Politics
19. Health Care Reform and Reproductive Politics
20. Global Perspectives on Reproductive Politics
21. Men and Reproductive Politics
22. Language and Frameworks