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Compelling Interest: The Real Story behind Roe v. Wade [Audiobook]
Is a fetus a person? Is ''pro-choice'' really a neutral position? For 40 years since the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, the abortion debate has been highly charged and politicized. Questions like these - and passionate but widely varying answers - have become the common language of the public dialogue on this issue. Yet behind the scenes of this historic case are other intriguing - How did the Supreme Court come to be involved in the abortion debate? - Was language manipulated to affect the outcome? - What was the moral basis underlying the decision? In Compelling Interest, author Roger Resler draws on original sources, including the actual transcripts for oral arguments, the majority and minority opinions, and comments by the lawyers and others involved to take a careful look at the real story behind the historic Roe v. Wade decision. Resler includes conversations with experts, including sociology professor Dr. William Brennan, the late Dr. Mildred Jefferson and Dr. Carolyn Gerster who co-founded the National Right to Life Committee, prolific author and speaker Randy Alcorn , bioethics professor Dr. Gerard Magill, perinatologist Dr. James Thorp, and photojournalist Michael Clancy . This carefully researched book speaks with a thought-provoking, balanced voice that stands out from the usual partisan rhetoric on the topic.
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First published November 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 2, 2013
I originally thought this was some sort of book on finances, imagine my surprise when I found out it was in relation to the abortion debate raging in American and centering on the Roe vs Wade case.
This book should be compulsory reading for any parent-to-be (not just the mother), if they are considering the possibility of abortion. So that they may be able to make an informed choice.
The information presented in this work is clear accurate and logically based. It shows the foolishness of the US Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion. A determination which lead to the justification of infanticide in a thesis written in the US in Feb 2012.
There is no doubt about it - this is a long book. I actually listened to the audio-book version from Christianaudio.com, and that had 53 chapters. And by the end of the book it was starting to get difficult to follow, but it was well worth the time spent, as I feel I am now more informed on the truth of what happened in the court case, and on the process of human birth.
I feel I can speak with some authority and understanding into the "wrongness" of abortion for the most part with some degree of understanding and factual knowledge.
The information in this book is compelling, well researched, not presented from an emotional or religious view-point, but rather on facts and logical argument.
Compelling Interest [Kindle Edition]
Compelling Interest [Audio Edition]
This book should be compulsory reading for any parent-to-be (not just the mother), if they are considering the possibility of abortion. So that they may be able to make an informed choice.
The information presented in this work is clear accurate and logically based. It shows the foolishness of the US Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion. A determination which lead to the justification of infanticide in a thesis written in the US in Feb 2012.
There is no doubt about it - this is a long book. I actually listened to the audio-book version from Christianaudio.com, and that had 53 chapters. And by the end of the book it was starting to get difficult to follow, but it was well worth the time spent, as I feel I am now more informed on the truth of what happened in the court case, and on the process of human birth.
I feel I can speak with some authority and understanding into the "wrongness" of abortion for the most part with some degree of understanding and factual knowledge.
The information in this book is compelling, well researched, not presented from an emotional or religious view-point, but rather on facts and logical argument.
Compelling Interest [Kindle Edition]
Compelling Interest [Audio Edition]
February 21, 2015
3.5/5
"This carefully researched book speaks with a thought-provoking, balanced voice that stands out from the usual partisan rhetoric on the topic."
Carefully researched? Yes. Thought provoking? Yes. Balanced? No. No, it's not.
I should point out I'm pro-life. I was beofre reading this book, I was after reading this book. The book certainly added to my understanding of the topic and helped me understand some arguments from both sides but it is far from balanced. If it was balanced you would get people from both sides of the argument saying it is balanced. I'm on the side of the argument that the book is on and I don't even think it was balanced.
The book presents both sides of the argument but it is the manner in which it is done that is unbalanced. The Pro-choice side is argued via quotes and excerpts from books, speeches and writing by Pro-Choice advocated. The Pro-life side is argued through active interviews and questions asked in response to these quotes. There is no active, responsive ability for pro-choice to make their case. It's all static, thus the quotes etc are biased to pro-life. Active interviews, asking and reporting direct responses to pro-life comments would have made it a balanced book. A right of reply would have made it balanced. As it is now, it is not balanced.
Any quote, from both sides, is editorialised from a pro-life position, allowing for much more to be said in a pro-life manner than said in a balanced voice. A typical section has a quote from a pro-choice advocate surrounded by editorialising of that comment, explaining (possibly slightly changing what the person actually meant, even if they said it slightly wrong) what was said, followed by a pro-life 'expert' commenting and arguing about the quoted piece. Does pro-life comments and quotes get the same treatment from a pro-choice editor or commentor? No.
It's simply not balanced and it's wrong to say it is.
That said, the book was very interesting and informative. It's just not what I expected based on the blurb.
I learnt a lot and am strong in my choice of being pro-life. I am glad I read it and would recommend it to people who are interested in the topic.
"This carefully researched book speaks with a thought-provoking, balanced voice that stands out from the usual partisan rhetoric on the topic."
Carefully researched? Yes. Thought provoking? Yes. Balanced? No. No, it's not.
I should point out I'm pro-life. I was beofre reading this book, I was after reading this book. The book certainly added to my understanding of the topic and helped me understand some arguments from both sides but it is far from balanced. If it was balanced you would get people from both sides of the argument saying it is balanced. I'm on the side of the argument that the book is on and I don't even think it was balanced.
The book presents both sides of the argument but it is the manner in which it is done that is unbalanced. The Pro-choice side is argued via quotes and excerpts from books, speeches and writing by Pro-Choice advocated. The Pro-life side is argued through active interviews and questions asked in response to these quotes. There is no active, responsive ability for pro-choice to make their case. It's all static, thus the quotes etc are biased to pro-life. Active interviews, asking and reporting direct responses to pro-life comments would have made it a balanced book. A right of reply would have made it balanced. As it is now, it is not balanced.
Any quote, from both sides, is editorialised from a pro-life position, allowing for much more to be said in a pro-life manner than said in a balanced voice. A typical section has a quote from a pro-choice advocate surrounded by editorialising of that comment, explaining (possibly slightly changing what the person actually meant, even if they said it slightly wrong) what was said, followed by a pro-life 'expert' commenting and arguing about the quoted piece. Does pro-life comments and quotes get the same treatment from a pro-choice editor or commentor? No.
It's simply not balanced and it's wrong to say it is.
That said, the book was very interesting and informative. It's just not what I expected based on the blurb.
I learnt a lot and am strong in my choice of being pro-life. I am glad I read it and would recommend it to people who are interested in the topic.
April 19, 2016
I found Compelling Interest on sale at our local bookstore, so I decided to buy it. I don't know a whole lot about Roe vs Wade , the Supreme Court case in the 1970s that legalized abortion, but Compelling Interest answers a lot of questions! What was the background of the case? What were the main arguments?
But the book discusses more than just the details of the case. When does human life begin? How has the legalization of abortion affected our country, both morally and socially? What about the origins of Planned Parenthood?
I learned a lot from this book, although the author's writing can be dry and somewhat repetitive. Compelling Interest is a raw, honest look at abortion. This book is sobering, and at times very, very heavy (I found the chapters describing how actual abortions are performed to be especially hard to stomach--I had to skip over parts).
All in all, I would recommend to people wanting to learn more about abortion and how to defend the pro-life stand.
But the book discusses more than just the details of the case. When does human life begin? How has the legalization of abortion affected our country, both morally and socially? What about the origins of Planned Parenthood?
I learned a lot from this book, although the author's writing can be dry and somewhat repetitive. Compelling Interest is a raw, honest look at abortion. This book is sobering, and at times very, very heavy (I found the chapters describing how actual abortions are performed to be especially hard to stomach--I had to skip over parts).
All in all, I would recommend to people wanting to learn more about abortion and how to defend the pro-life stand.
July 25, 2022
Roger Resler has written the definitive argument against the killing of unborn Children. With clear, logical language he takes each argument for abortion and shows the logical fallacies and language twisting pro-abortionists have to use to make it acceptable.
This book is not written in an overly emotional tone. It is almost straight logic and does not skirt the hard questions. But I found myself fighting back emotions because of the logic.
It breaks my heart. How can we as a nation expect God to bless us when we destroy our own children just because they will disrupt our comfortable lives? This does not leave us without compassion for the mother. Unlike the pro-abortion crowd, we should give her alternatives. Adoption or help raising the child.
Rove v. Wade is the landmark Supreme Court case that made abortion legal. Since that day millions of babies have been killed. Compelling Interest contains interviews, quotes, extracts, and many other information concerning the case. He shows how it was one of the worst written cases in history..
When does a person become a "person". At birth? At conception? Somewhere in between? The pro-abortionist says we don't know, so we can terminate the pregnancy at any time before birth.
This logic is atrocious. Lets take that same logic into another situation. Lets say I have an old building I need to demolish. I am not sure if there is any one in the building at the time. I send someone in to see if it is clear. They come back and tell me they were not sure. They saw a pot of stew cooking over a small fire and it looked like a homeless person had been there. I then go ahead and demolish the building, because the potential homeless person is not the same as a homeless person.
If I was not sure if there was someone in the building, why in the world would I destroy it anyway. If the abortionist is not sure if the fetus is human, why kill it?
This was hands down the best book on the argument against abortion I have ever read. It is packed with so much logical information that there can be no argument against it.
I highly recommend it and wish I could give it better than 5 stars.
I give it 6 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book, free of charge, from eChristian, Inc and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is not written in an overly emotional tone. It is almost straight logic and does not skirt the hard questions. But I found myself fighting back emotions because of the logic.
It breaks my heart. How can we as a nation expect God to bless us when we destroy our own children just because they will disrupt our comfortable lives? This does not leave us without compassion for the mother. Unlike the pro-abortion crowd, we should give her alternatives. Adoption or help raising the child.
Rove v. Wade is the landmark Supreme Court case that made abortion legal. Since that day millions of babies have been killed. Compelling Interest contains interviews, quotes, extracts, and many other information concerning the case. He shows how it was one of the worst written cases in history..
When does a person become a "person". At birth? At conception? Somewhere in between? The pro-abortionist says we don't know, so we can terminate the pregnancy at any time before birth.
This logic is atrocious. Lets take that same logic into another situation. Lets say I have an old building I need to demolish. I am not sure if there is any one in the building at the time. I send someone in to see if it is clear. They come back and tell me they were not sure. They saw a pot of stew cooking over a small fire and it looked like a homeless person had been there. I then go ahead and demolish the building, because the potential homeless person is not the same as a homeless person.
If I was not sure if there was someone in the building, why in the world would I destroy it anyway. If the abortionist is not sure if the fetus is human, why kill it?
This was hands down the best book on the argument against abortion I have ever read. It is packed with so much logical information that there can be no argument against it.
I highly recommend it and wish I could give it better than 5 stars.
I give it 6 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book, free of charge, from eChristian, Inc and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2016
This book needs to have a wide reading. The best sections are on the legal processes that took place during the arguments of Roe v. Wade. Among the surprising facts, Resler shows just how poorly prepared the legal defense was. Had they been in better shape, legal history may have turned out differently.
One of the author's often-repeated points, really one of the main theses of his book: the pro-choice position is based on an arbitrary and religious/metaphysical definition of “personhood,” while the pro-life argument rests on observable facts of biology.
There a good parallels made to the Dred Scott decision regarding “persons.” Likewise the material on Margaret Sanger and other early feminists’ anti-abortion views is instructive, and may be surprising to some. Resler makes good points concerning infanticide.
This book was apparently originally in audio form; often strings of quotes don't always translate into a readable book, though they are very valuable quotes. The style is a bit more polemical in some sections than others. But all in all, a valuable, well-written piece that moves beyond polemics to build a pro-life case on historical and philosophical grounds.
One of the author's often-repeated points, really one of the main theses of his book: the pro-choice position is based on an arbitrary and religious/metaphysical definition of “personhood,” while the pro-life argument rests on observable facts of biology.
There a good parallels made to the Dred Scott decision regarding “persons.” Likewise the material on Margaret Sanger and other early feminists’ anti-abortion views is instructive, and may be surprising to some. Resler makes good points concerning infanticide.
This book was apparently originally in audio form; often strings of quotes don't always translate into a readable book, though they are very valuable quotes. The style is a bit more polemical in some sections than others. But all in all, a valuable, well-written piece that moves beyond polemics to build a pro-life case on historical and philosophical grounds.
January 19, 2017
I listened to the audio book format of this book. I highly recommend "reading" it this way. Not only was it convenient to listen while driving, but whenever the author quoted oral arguments in the Roe case he included actual audio recordings of Sarah Weddington, the prosecution (can't remember if Wade himself was recorded and played), and the justices. The book was mostly read by the author, but whenever quotes were given, if the original speaker was not used for it, gender specific speakers would read those quotes so that female voices were used to read quotes by women and male voices were used to read quotes by men. I think that really added to the experience of the audio book.
Besides the technical production enjoyment, I also really appreciated the content. The author made a lot of very valid points. The only constructive criticism I'd offer is that at times there seemed to be some repetition of points already made.
Besides the technical production enjoyment, I also really appreciated the content. The author made a lot of very valid points. The only constructive criticism I'd offer is that at times there seemed to be some repetition of points already made.
July 30, 2014
This book's subtitle is "The real story behind Roe v. Wade", but I felt like it was so much more than even that. The first several chapters tell the story of how Roe v. Wade was won, and the rest of the book goes on go discuss the legal ramifications of that decision and the logical aspects of both the pro-life and pro-choice arguments. By the end of he book it is painfully obvious how illogical pro-choice arguments are. It exposes the absurdities abortion proponents use to defend a position that really should be indefensible. This book was so well thought out, and it was hard to put down once I started reading. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a closer look at the abortion issue. No matter where you stand, this book will make you think.
April 26, 2016
Highly recommend to anyone who wants a thorough, logical explanation of the pro-life position. I listened to the audio version. It was very unique in that it included actual recordings from the Roe v. Wade trial and other recorded interviews. It made some very good points. It is definitely not for someone who wants a quick, easy read about abortion. Very logical and at times a little technical but it was a huge help for me to think through a lot of things I had never understood or considered. Excellent book for anyone who wants to hear clear arguments on why the pro-life position is the best position legally and morally. Though it quotes some major religious leaders (i.e. Randy Alcorn) it is mainly from a legal, biological, and moral standpoint.
February 1, 2018
Abortion continues to break my heart. This book was so painful to listen to, but I'm so glad I did. I am reminded of how much the Lord cares for the helpless and the oppressed. I am left eager to do what I can to speak for those who cannot speak, and to love those moms who cannot see a way out.
November 30, 2016
Compelling interest is a compelling book! The most tragic day in U.S. history was not 911 nor the bombing of Pearl Harbor nor the beginning of the Civil War nor the two World Wars. The most tragic day of U.S. history was when the Supreme Court legalized the killing of our own children. According to Wikipedia 2.8 million Americans have lost their lives in war. But between 1 and 1.5 million children have died every year since Roe vs. Wade. In other words more than 60 million children. This is still the greatest human rights violation of our history.
The first half of this book documents the events leading up to RVW and includes transcripts of many of the arguments made before the Supreme Court. One of the primary things the book demonstrates is how woefully unprepared the Texas attorneys were in preparing their case. Their efforts had to be among the worst in Supreme Court history.
The second half of the book documents the ethics and consequences of RVW. One of the many amazing things in this section is to learn that Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood opposed abortion. For example, she called abortion "the greatest disgrace of modern civilization."
(cf. her book The Case for Birth Control p. 185; see also her Autobiography p. 185 and her book Women and the New Race p. 232). In fact as late as 1964 Planned Parenthood had a question and answer book which said: "Q: Is birth control an abortion? A. Definitely not. An abortion kills the life of a baby after it has begun."
I highly recommend this book!
The first half of this book documents the events leading up to RVW and includes transcripts of many of the arguments made before the Supreme Court. One of the primary things the book demonstrates is how woefully unprepared the Texas attorneys were in preparing their case. Their efforts had to be among the worst in Supreme Court history.
The second half of the book documents the ethics and consequences of RVW. One of the many amazing things in this section is to learn that Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood opposed abortion. For example, she called abortion "the greatest disgrace of modern civilization."
(cf. her book The Case for Birth Control p. 185; see also her Autobiography p. 185 and her book Women and the New Race p. 232). In fact as late as 1964 Planned Parenthood had a question and answer book which said: "Q: Is birth control an abortion? A. Definitely not. An abortion kills the life of a baby after it has begun."
I highly recommend this book!
June 30, 2015
Amazing book on the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice debate. This book presents a great background on the Roe v. Wade case itself. It goes into detail on the progression of the case and the downfalls and lack of preparation by the State of Texas' argument. Another section details the scientific argument for Pro-Life while another section is a logical argument. Throughout he makes clear that being Pro-Life is not necessarily a religious viewpoint, but one of science and logic, moral, and good law. A great read. I recommend for all persons who want to learn more about this divisive issue.
May 16, 2013
An eye opening book for me. I have never looked for myself into the details behind Roe v Wade, and this book does a thorough job of it. What a boondoggle of a case, and an example of joe scary it is when power is taken further than it should. The similarities of language used in both this case and in Nazi Germany are startling. While not a quick or lighthearted listen, I dare you to read this book and not walk away thinking change is necessary.
January 30, 2013
Does take on some of the narrative task the title implies. Historical characters become motivated, flawed individuals. Is mostly argument, though, against the logic of abortion and makes some good points.
July 7, 2013
Excellent book. It's well researched and persuasive.
However, on an emotional level the latter part of the book was simply too much for me - I just couldn't take it. This book broke my heart and overwhelmed me with sorrow.
I finally just had to put it aside and leave it unfinished.
However, on an emotional level the latter part of the book was simply too much for me - I just couldn't take it. This book broke my heart and overwhelmed me with sorrow.
I finally just had to put it aside and leave it unfinished.
September 3, 2013
A very thorough look at the holes in the Roe V Wade case. Compelling viewpoints from legal, medical, and philosophical perspectives.
January 5, 2020
I learned so much in this book. Compelling Interest recounts the story behind the supreme court’s infamous Roe v. Wade decision, and the devastating impact of the legalization of abortion on demand in our country. For those who care about the sanctity of life, this is a fantastic resource to better equip yourself to answer common objections to the pro-life position. One of the most unique features of this book is the abundance of interviews with medical professionals, and even from within the abortion community. May God use this book and others like it to awaken a sleepy world to the horrors of what abortion actually is.
February 18, 2021
Overflowing with logic, science, medicine, law, ethics, and human nature, this book covers all aspects of the abortion debate. The author uses the words and rationale from abortion advocates’s own publications to show the transitions in cultural attitude that they worked to bring about in their pursuit of abortion on demand. The variety in their own thinking between individuals and over time illustrates that their advocacy for killing a pre-born life is morally and scientifically shaky at best. I cannot recommend this book enough.
January 19, 2018
A must read for anyone seeking to understand one of the most important supreme court cases of the United States. Though this is certainly an pro-life argumentation, its thoroughness makes it a must-read for anyone honestly seeking to understand the issues surrounding abortion, and the Roe v. Wade case in particular.
February 8, 2018
wow
I was blown away -
the first thing was the fact that 2 Richard Nixon appointed Justices voted for Roe v Wade, you're killing me...
This is Our History - amazing to hear it - I have the audio version with actual audio clips from actual court hearings and news reports.
It seemed to be more like a documentary with the audio version
I was blown away -
the first thing was the fact that 2 Richard Nixon appointed Justices voted for Roe v Wade, you're killing me...
This is Our History - amazing to hear it - I have the audio version with actual audio clips from actual court hearings and news reports.
It seemed to be more like a documentary with the audio version
December 11, 2021
Very informative about not only how Roe vs Wade was argued, but more information about terminology, the doctors and science behind it, as well as some things each side got wrong in their arguments. Gave me a lot more information about the case than I previously knew without it relying on just a faith perspective.
July 27, 2019
My rating would be much higher if the book contained only the parts that directly relate to the subtitle. However, it strays into refutations of arguments for abortion - useful enough, sound enough, but not exactly what I came for.
June 15, 2023
This book provides a Christian defense of the right to life. It may be slightly outdated since it was written a decade or so before Dobbs, but it still is a strong case for a pro-life point of view.
February 10, 2016
This is a great history lesson the subject of pro abortion mindset. I was not familiar at all with R V. W and was glad to get to hear actual recordings from those hearings. I learned a lot to solidify my own feelings, and perhaps make me rethink about those feelings and ideas.
February 4, 2013
Very compelling. I especially liked all the recordings from the actual ROE V WADE court case.
March 6, 2013
Very interesting and informative. Includes illuminating extracts from the actual proceedings of Roe v Wade. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2013
Very informative, well-reasoned, and up-to-date. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2016
Quite a sad and thorough documentation of the events leading to Roe v. Wade.
August 26, 2015
This book was challenging and brilliant. It has firmly re established by pro life beliefs.
September 17, 2015
Lots of good, persuasive info in here. It felt pretty dryly written and seemed a little repetitious at times.
February 16, 2016
Great points that I agreed with, and the first half of the book was really compelling. But the 2nd half of the book became repetitive at times and I had to struggle to finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews