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The Abortion Controversy: An Embryologist's Perspective
The abortion issue persists as one of the most socially divisive issues of our time. Without taking sides, the author, a well-known human embryologist, presents in clear, understandable language the embryological science that has been used to support or detract from stated positions on the issue.Beginning with a chapter that underscores the importance of defining terms and asking incisive questions about when personhood is achieved, the text moves on to a well-illustrated summary of the important aspects of human embryological development, both normal and abnormal, as they relate to the abortion controversy. This is followed by a chapter on embryo technology, ranging from in vitro fertilization to cloning, and how these developments complicate the arguments on either side of the controversy. Closing chapters focus on the arguments used by both sides of the discussion and how these arguments are or are not supported by scientific facts. The text closes by saying that science alone cannot provide definitive support for either side of the abortion controversy and that ultimately any position on the question of abortion is based upon belief.The text chapters are followed by an appendix that provides a detailed timeline of embryonic development from fertilization to birth, a glossary and a list of questions for discussion groups.
156 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 26, 2024
"The Abortion Controversy: An Embryologist's Perspective" by Bruce M. Carlson, provides a refreshing and insightful examination of a deeply divisive issue. Written by a embryologist, this book offers a unique lens through which to understand the complexities surrounding abortion. The book transcends partisan divides, offering a balanced and nuanced exploration of a complex issue. Whether you're a student, a healthcare professional, or simply a concerned citizen, this book provides valuable insights that will inform and enlighten your perspective. It is a timely and essential addition to the ongoing discourse surrounding reproductive rights and human dignity.
May 13, 2024
Complete with illustrations, photographs, a timetable of human development, a glossary of terminology, and questions for discussion groups, this book delivers on its subtitle—an embryologist’s perspective on the issue of abortion.
Dr. Carlson emphasizes that both fertilization and embryonic development are a process—maintaining that the dissention surrounding the personhood/moral standing of the human embryo is a dispute rooted in varying belief systems rather than scientific evidence—pointing out there is no single point in embryonic development which marks a threshold of personhood (pro-choice stance), and there is equally no single moment of fertilization which marks the beginning of personhood or 'ensoulment' (pro-life stance).
He urges readers (and policy makers) to look beyond rigid belief systems or partisan politics and practice respect for the belief systems of others, refraining from imposing one's personal beliefs without evidence-based fact in an intensely personal subject where ‘one size does not fit all’.
Dr. Carlson emphasizes that both fertilization and embryonic development are a process—maintaining that the dissention surrounding the personhood/moral standing of the human embryo is a dispute rooted in varying belief systems rather than scientific evidence—pointing out there is no single point in embryonic development which marks a threshold of personhood (pro-choice stance), and there is equally no single moment of fertilization which marks the beginning of personhood or 'ensoulment' (pro-life stance).
He urges readers (and policy makers) to look beyond rigid belief systems or partisan politics and practice respect for the belief systems of others, refraining from imposing one's personal beliefs without evidence-based fact in an intensely personal subject where ‘one size does not fit all’.
June 23, 2024
As expected, this book has a lot of physiological and developmental detail about human gestation and pregnancy. Related to his field, Dr. Carlson focuses on the products of conception/embryo/fetus. There is little to nothing about emotional and physical effects of pregnancy effects on women.
I found his information to be balanced and without bias. In a nutshell, his conclusion presents abortion values as a belief and strong intuition. Science can not provide facts related to beliefs. Peoples' beliefs are deep seated and sincere, even when there are no concrete scientific facts supporting or disputing them.There is no method to disprove one's values, as often they are not evidenced based. Key to Dr. Carlson's review is his perspective the controversy is unsolvable by science, as we do not know when products of conception/embryos/fetuses develop or acquire ensoulment/personhood. If we as a human race knew the answer to this dilemma, perhaps wiser decisions could be made.
Reading this book requires an open mind to both sides of the controversy. It makes one think, challenges long held information and gives readers a chance to think about the process of pregnancy. The thought of concrete development points in pregnancy, that would delineate definite times to intervene are challenged, as each gestational experience is a process and different.
His explanation of fertilization, in vitro, various birth control forms and twinning adds to exploration about early pregnancy developments.
The subject matter is heavy science and can be difficult to read for non science readers. However, he does a fine job of succinctly explaining the process. The graphics are very well done and helpful to the reader.
Like many value based arguments, there are no concrete answers. Prevention before intervention may again be best when possible. This isn't a light read, and will make a reader think.
I found his information to be balanced and without bias. In a nutshell, his conclusion presents abortion values as a belief and strong intuition. Science can not provide facts related to beliefs. Peoples' beliefs are deep seated and sincere, even when there are no concrete scientific facts supporting or disputing them.There is no method to disprove one's values, as often they are not evidenced based. Key to Dr. Carlson's review is his perspective the controversy is unsolvable by science, as we do not know when products of conception/embryos/fetuses develop or acquire ensoulment/personhood. If we as a human race knew the answer to this dilemma, perhaps wiser decisions could be made.
Reading this book requires an open mind to both sides of the controversy. It makes one think, challenges long held information and gives readers a chance to think about the process of pregnancy. The thought of concrete development points in pregnancy, that would delineate definite times to intervene are challenged, as each gestational experience is a process and different.
His explanation of fertilization, in vitro, various birth control forms and twinning adds to exploration about early pregnancy developments.
The subject matter is heavy science and can be difficult to read for non science readers. However, he does a fine job of succinctly explaining the process. The graphics are very well done and helpful to the reader.
Like many value based arguments, there are no concrete answers. Prevention before intervention may again be best when possible. This isn't a light read, and will make a reader think.
September 21, 2024
Bruce Carlson, MD, PhD, and Embryologist, tackled the most socially controversial topic of today in his book The Abortion Controversy. Using his years of scientific knowledge and research, Dr. Carlson presents a worthy endeavor to educate the reader, whether Pro-life or Pro-Choice or those unsure where their beliefs stand.
As a former healthcare professional who worked in high-risk obstetrics, I found that while reading and writing this review, I needed to set aside my biases and concentrate on what Dr. Carlson had written.
Carlson presents an excellent review of human embryologic development, which I would highly recommend to all students of science and healthcare.
This book is well-written, unbiased, and based on scientific facts, which allows the reader to make their own decisions, such as "At what point in human embryonic development does the embryo become a person . . ."
I found that some of the information provided may be beyond the non-scientific reader's knowledge base but is still well worth the lay reader's attention.
Dr. Carlson certainly opens up a topic of discussion for those on both sides of the controversy despite it being one that will more than likely never be resolved.
As a former healthcare professional who worked in high-risk obstetrics, I found that while reading and writing this review, I needed to set aside my biases and concentrate on what Dr. Carlson had written.
Carlson presents an excellent review of human embryologic development, which I would highly recommend to all students of science and healthcare.
This book is well-written, unbiased, and based on scientific facts, which allows the reader to make their own decisions, such as "At what point in human embryonic development does the embryo become a person . . ."
I found that some of the information provided may be beyond the non-scientific reader's knowledge base but is still well worth the lay reader's attention.
Dr. Carlson certainly opens up a topic of discussion for those on both sides of the controversy despite it being one that will more than likely never be resolved.
June 4, 2026
I learned SO much!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews