Edited by Sally Sheldon And Kaye Wellings

In a debate where seemingly even the most basic empirical claims are disputed, this book offers a clear and succinct account of the relevant evidence. Where does public opinion stand with regard to the permissibility of abortion? What would be the likely impact of decriminalisation on women’s health? Would it remove unnecessary restrictions on best clinical practice resulting in the improvement of services, or would it rather amount to dangerous deregulation, removing essential safeguards against harmful practice? And what lessons can we learn from the experience of other countries regarding the role played by criminal prohibitions on abortion and the likely impact of their removal?

University of Bristol Press. (2020) 112 pages.