Beyond Control: Medical Power and Abortion LawWho really controls access to abortion services in Britain, supposedly one of the most liberal western countries on this issue? Recognizing that abortion has slipped off the mainstream political (and specifically feminist) agenda, at least in the UK, Sheldon argues that the 'medicalization' of abortion law has rendered women powerless over their own bodies. She acknowledges that repoliticising abortion may mean that feminists face a backlash, but maintains that failure to act could close down vital avenues of choice and control when pressures to eliminate abortion are becoming stronger in some areas of society. |
Contents
Table of Statutes | 5 |
A Permissive and Liberatory Reform? | 9 |
Offences Against the Person Act 1861 | 11 |
Copyright | |
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22 July 24 April 24 weeks Abortion Act Abortion Act 1967 abortion law abortion services abortionists access to abortion allow abortion antiprogestin terminations argued argument authorised autonomy baby Birkett Committee Britain campaigns Chapter child clinics conscientious objection construction contraception control of abortion courts David Alton David Steel decision decisional control discussion doctor drug embryo Embryology Act entrenched female feminist Fertilisation and Embryology foetal foetus Foucault gynaecologist H.C. Deb hospital Human Fertilisation individual Infant Life Preservation introduced issue limit medical control medical discretion medical framework medical knowledges medical practice medical profession medicalisation menstrual extraction mother Offences operation opinion Parliament patient performed political pregnant woman pro-choice problem prosecution prostaglandins protect provision of abortion rape refused regarding registered medical practitioner regulation of abortion reproductive Roussel seems seen sexual situation social SPUC technical control termination of pregnancy treatment unwanted pregnancy Whilst woman seeking abortion women