School Library Journal Review
Gr 6-8-- An excellent selection for students with limited or no knowledge of the multiple issues involved in the abortion controversy. Presented without bias, the concerns of both the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice movements are explored. Four chapters examine the debate as it pertains to health, civil rights, socioeconomics, and the law. The history and explanation of Roe v. Wade is easy for readers to grasp. Highlighted insets interspersed throughout the text provide a brief history of abortion in America, an explanation of how the Supreme Court works, a summary of the abortion pill controversy, and a listing of the pertinent landmark cases. Numerous, high-quality, full-color photographs introduce the issues, their ramifications, and their players. An objective, up-to-date account. --Valerie Childress, J. W. Holloway Middle School, Whitehouse, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
A thorough and informative history of legal decisions regarding abortion in the United States builds up to Roe vs. Wade and outlines the legislative changes that have occurred since then. Drab narration, occasionally muddy explanations, and a very slight pro-choice bias permeate what is otherwise a useful resource, illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Dense with historical information (e.g., it was the medical community that, in 1847, launched legal restrictions on abortion in an effort to professionalize practice), this ``Headliner'' offers an evenhanded background on personalities and points of view. Taking the position that the abortion issue will never be permanently resolved, Caruana brings readers into a besieged clinic and presents debates on such matters as personhood, offering sidebars on subjects like the working of the Supreme Court. Too bad this excellent overview of a ``clash of absolutes'' went to press before President Clinton rolled back abortion restrictions, but it's up-to-date until then. Illustrated with b&w photos. Index; chronology; bibliography. (Nonfiction. 10-14)
