Who Chooses?: American Reproductive History Since 1830
- ISBN-10
- 0813031990
- ISBN-13
- 9780813031996
- Category
- History / Social History
- Pages
- 361
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2008
- Publisher
- University Press of Florida
- Author
- Simone M. Caron
Description
In 1860, the American Medical Association launched a campaign to convince state legislatures to prohibit abortions. Until 1973's Roe v. Wade, abortion was often seen as a crime. Who Chooses? analyzes the forces at play in shaping reproductive policy in the United States. In tracing the political battle over reproduction rights through government politics from 1830 to the present, Simone Caron's work is unique in that she synthesizes historical discussions of abortion, birth control, and sterilization, which have often been considered as separate entities. Placing these three means of reproductive control into a cohesive framework, she studies national decisions made over the years, then localizes the politics with a unique case study of Rhode Island. Although the Union's smallest state restricted abortion, Rhode Island was one of only two states to exempt women from prosecution. When most states adopted Comstock laws and eugenic sterilization legislation, in part to control the fertility of the indigent, Rhode Island did not. The state also allowed the only birth control clinic in New England to operate from 1931 to 1965. The clinic, staffed by "respectable," white male physicians rather than immigrant or female doctors, prioritized clients' health over the wishes of population control advocates. All of which combines to make the state a fascinating microcosm through which to view the battle over reproductive rights at the state and local level. Over the past two centuries, restrictive reproductive policies have often served as barriers to women's equality. The impact of these policies has been felt most poignantly at the local level by women endeavoring to control their daily lives. Caron reveals that despite attempts by population controllers to shape the populace according to their own agendas, women throughout the years have sought means to choose for themselves the best reproduction option to suit their personal situation. She examines the political, moral, and economic forces that shaped reproductive policies and the impact they have had on women's ability to choose how to control their bodies. - Jacket flap.
Get the book
Similar books
-
Chronicles of Border Warfare; Or, a History of the Settlement by the Whites of North-Western Virginia, and of the Indian...
By Alexander Scott WithersChronicles of Border Warfare; Or, a History of the Settlement by the Whites of North-Western Virginia, and of the Indian...
-
The Navajo Indians
By Dane Coolidge, Mary Roberts CoolidgeThe Navajo Indians
-
Slavery, Race, and American History: Historical Conflict, Trends, and Method, 1866-1953
By John David SmithSee George D. Terry , “ A Study of the Impact of the French Revolution and the Insurrections in Saint - Domingue ... iiin , 65n , 66n ; John D. Duncan , “ Servitude and Slavery in Colonial South Carolina , 1670–1776 " ( Ph.D. diss .
-
Hispanics in the United States
By Harry Pachon, Joan W. MooreJoan W. Moore, Harry Pachon. cause of a more conservative foreign policy and strong anticommunism . Emigré politics is still important among large segments . At one time , there were more than 100 Cuban exile political organizations .
-
The 1980s
By Bob Batchelor, Scott F. StoddartIn another first , Diahann Carroll joined the cast as Dominique Devereaux , a chanteuse once involved with Blake . Carroll's became the first African American to appear as a series regular on a major serial drama .
-
Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Ancient World
By Peter I. BoguckiMichael S. Bisson , S. Terry Childs , Philip de Barros , and Augustin F. C. Holl , Ancient African Metallurgy : The Socio - Cultural Context ( Walnut Creek , Calif .: AltaMira Press , 2000 ) . Moses I. Finley , The Ancient Economy ...
-
1927: A Day-by-Day Chronicle of the Jazz Age's Greatest Year
By Thomas S. HischakFrom January 1 to December 31 of 1927, the entries in this book cover every major news event—national and international—of this pivotal year in history.
-
Hope and Heartbreak: A Social History of Wales and the Welsh, 1776-1871
By Russell Davies... Tom ( the Navvy ) 299 Roberts , Ann 115 Roberts , Professor Brinley F. 347 Roberts , Eleazar 14 Roberts , Elizabeth 150 , 278 Roberts , Ellis 418 Roberts , George 249 Roberts , Griffith 230 Roberts , Gwilym 125 Roberts , Jane 270 ...
-
1969: The Year Everything Changed
By Rob KirkpatrickDennis Wilson of the Beach Boys reportedly hooked up with two of Manson's female followers, and soon Manson and his Family had moved into Wilson's mansion, uninvited. While in prison, Manson had learned how to play guitar from Alvin ...
-
1968: The Rise and Fall of the New American Revolution
By Blaine T. Browne, Robert C. CottrellFor those readers reliving 1968 or exploring it for the first time, Cottrell and Browne serve as insightful guides, weaving the events together into a powerful narrative of an America and a world on the brink.