Bristol University Press
1 Introduction
Abstract
This chapter gives a brief overview of the current terrain of abortion debate in the UK, covering calls for decriminalisation as well as debates on sex-selection, disability and pre-abortion counselling. It argues that the classic image of abortion politics as a war between ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice’ actors cannot adequately accommodate these recent developments – nor does it fit with how abortion debates have actually unfolded in Britain historically. Instead, it offers an interpretation of abortion law as resting on a coalition between government and medical actors formed to govern women’s reproductive decisions. The chapter closes with an overview of the book.
Abstract
This chapter gives a brief overview of the current terrain of abortion debate in the UK, covering calls for decriminalisation as well as debates on sex-selection, disability and pre-abortion counselling. It argues that the classic image of abortion politics as a war between ‘pro-life’ and ‘pro-choice’ actors cannot adequately accommodate these recent developments – nor does it fit with how abortion debates have actually unfolded in Britain historically. Instead, it offers an interpretation of abortion law as resting on a coalition between government and medical actors formed to govern women’s reproductive decisions. The chapter closes with an overview of the book.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of Tables iv
- List of Abbreviations v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Introduction 1
- Regulating the Female Body 13
- Passing the Abortion Act 1967 39
- Feminism Enters the Debate 67
- Backlash and Appropriation 95
- Into the 21st Century 123
- Towards Decriminalization? New Battlegrounds in Abortion Politics 145
- Conclusion 177
- Notes 193
- References 197
- Index 221
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of Tables iv
- List of Abbreviations v
- Acknowledgements vi
- Introduction 1
- Regulating the Female Body 13
- Passing the Abortion Act 1967 39
- Feminism Enters the Debate 67
- Backlash and Appropriation 95
- Into the 21st Century 123
- Towards Decriminalization? New Battlegrounds in Abortion Politics 145
- Conclusion 177
- Notes 193
- References 197
- Index 221
