Abortion: Whose Right

by Ellie Lee (Editor)

The number of abortions carried out in England and Wales stands at around 185,000 per year. The abortion rate shows no signs of decreasing - to the contrary, quarterly figures demonstrate a systematic increase in the number of women terminating pregnancies. It is arguably the case that abortion is now a fact of life in British society. Is it right to think of abortion as just like any other operation that can be guided by the principle of patient autonomy? Or are there specific issues to consider - given the matter at hand is whether a new life should be born?

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

Reviews

[Shakerra Muhammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

British Reverend Joanna Jepson is trying to get a doctor who performed an abortion on the grounds of cleft palate prosecuted by the police. The discussion that her case has generated has confirmed one thing, there is little sympathy today for those who think abortion should be banned outright. But the case has also focused on a lack of support for the idea of choice. The most common position taken in response to the Jepson case is one that says, I'm not against abortion, but this is a very worrying case.’People are saying, Im for choice, but not this terrible choice’. Choice is one thing, they argue, but there must be safeguards to stop things ‘going too far’. As the Daily Mail’s Lesley Garner put it: ‘I am a strong defender of a woman’s right to make her own decisions on abortion. Miss Jepson has raised very important issues about the uses, and abuses, of abortion.’ The fact that a woman had an abortion because the fetus had a cleft palate is now cited as evidence that too little is being done to put the brakes on the demands of women seeking abortions.
I liked this book because it kept me interested. This book had me into the whole time. I learned a lot in this book because it taught me the importance of being pregnant, and how much of a blessing it really is. I liked that everyone had a different reason for why they think getting an abortion is good or bad.
I didn't dislike anything about this book. However, others might not like the fact people were getting pregnant and then getting abortions. Most people do not like killing of children. Others may feel that if you are planning on having an abortion if you get pregnant, then you are obviously not ready for a child so either you need to strap up, or just don't have sex.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It's always good to hear the different opinions of people, and what people have to say about how they feel. You can always have your own opinion and just listen to what someone else things, because maybe they will change your mind.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a book I read for research, not enjoyment. Covered the issue well though, albeit from a British perspective