When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark decision Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, the impact was immediately felt, with the news setting off protests from abortion rights activists and celebrations from anti-abortion supporters around the country. It returned the decision making on the legalization of abortion and what restrictions might be imposed to the hands of individual states. This timely and informative book describes the history of abortion rights and explains how the decision spurred some states to implement abortion bans and restrictions, while prompting others to expand access to abortion or declare themselves sanctuaries. The most affecting aspect of the book are the personal stories from pregnant women faced with difficult abortion choices and the confusion felt by medical professionals encountering new abortion laws and restrictions. The text details alternatives to the abortion procedure, such as abortion pills, as well as some new laws enacted or proposed to further restrict or protect abortion rights. Sidebars provide additional supporting information in this useful resource (with color photos, source notes, further research and organizations, and an index).

A concise overview of a currently newsworthy topic.
Centered around a controversial subject that has gained momentum due to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, this title starts with that controversial decision, then backtracks to briefly explore the history behind abortion rights in the U.S. The second chapter describes the lead-up to the June 24, 2022, ruling, explaining legal principles, the dissenting opinion, and other context for understanding the originalist interpretation of the Constitution. Next, the book moves on to the responses in various states. Chapter 4, “Feeling the Effects,” looks at the impact on individuals, helping readers understand the complexities of the health decisions individuals face, the reasons why people choose to terminate a pregnancy, and differing religious views. The aftermath of the ruling—responses by employers, struggles for access to abortion pills through the mail, and more—is the focus of the fifth chapter. Finally, “The Push for New National and Interstate Laws” looks ahead to what is to come in terms of legislation and increased divisions between states. Clearly designed for report and classroom usage, the book includes primary documents as well as quotes from experts in various fields. This compact guide written in accessible language with ample color photos and infographics will be helpful for reports. Though somewhat limited in scope, it’s a solid starting point for research. A practical, fact-filled volume for research and classroom usage.

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion rights have reemerged as a hot political topic. This volume analyzes the history of abortion legislation, the lead up to Dobbs, and states’ reactions to the newfound freedom to regulate abortion. Personal stories provide situational examples of emotional or medical reasons for an abortion as well as the struggles faced by and joyous reactions to new state legislation. While the information in the book is currently useful for research papers, the ongoing political changes will make some information quickly outdated. The layout features sizable chapters divided into smaller sections. Rectangular stock photographs and occasional callouts pepper the text. The volume includes a table of contents, organizations to contact, further resources, and an index.
VERDICT A fine choice for abortion research, but the politically fluctuating social topic will cause some information to become quickly outdated.