Abortion: The Clash of Absolutes [Paperback]

Laurence H. Tribe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 1992

"An important work on a monumental subject." —Anna Quindlen, New York Times Book Review

On profound questions of birth, death, and human choice that are raised by abortion—where opposing sides see no common ground—how can the conflict be managed? The abortion debate in the United States today involves all Americans in complex questions of sex and power, historical change, politics, advances in medicine, and competing social values. In this best-selling book, an eminent constitutional authority shows how the nation has struggled with these questions and then sets forth new approaches that reflect both sides' passionately held convictions. The paperback edition includes discussion of the latest court decisions and excerpts from the major cases, including the Supreme Court's landmark June 1992 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A constitutional lawyer and Harvard law professor examines both sides of the reproductive rights debate, revealing pro-choice sympathies. "This global survey of attitudes toward abortion illustrates that the opposing claims in the debate . . . are social constructs," said PW. "The book is a stimulating, fresh contribution to the ongoing debate."
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In his study of the Supreme Court, God Save This Honorable Court ( LJ 2/1/86), Tribe provided new ways to think about the law. In this book, he does the same with the abortion issue. He argues that philosophical and legal analyses are the only means to reach an accommodation of two opposing views of pro-life and pro-choice. Tribe extensively examines political and social implications of major court and legislative decisions from Roe v. Wade to the present. He compares U.S. abortion policies with those of other nations, and he tries to answer some controversial questions on the rights of pregnant women and the fetus. Tribe sometimes gets too legalistic, but most readers will find his book understandable and thought-provoking. It should become a standard work on abortion issues. Highly recommended.
- Steven Puro, St. Louis Univ.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; Upd Rev edition (September 17, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393309568
• ISBN-13: 978-0393309560
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,921 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Abortion & Birth Control

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If You're looking for bias, look elsewhere., April 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Abortion: The Clash of Absolutes (Paperback)

Professor Tribe gives every argument a fair hearing. Every position is respected. I kept waiting for his bias to show, but it never did. Finally, an impartial and well reasoned book on abortion.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tribe places the abortion question, October 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Abortion: The Clash of Absolutes (Paperback)

firmly in historical and legal contexts, making it possible view the question of conflicting rights from a fairly objective point. Whether one is pro- or anti-, this text offers information and supporting arguments for a variety of positions, and looks at the relative merits of each. Religious hysteria aside, if one is looking for a thoughtful text that permits one to form an opinion on the debate, one could do worse than to start with this book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Comments about reviews., November 1, 2005

By 

Wayne B. Cunningham - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Abortion: The Clash of Absolutes (Paperback)

Please limit your review to the actual book rather than the vitriol that some readers have vented. Such "reviews" do not help a potential reader determine whether or not the book is worth reading. One thing for certain is that your reviews are not.