Background Information
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy, which is often achieved through medical intervention. Use the following sources to learn more about abortion and the medical, political, legal, social, and religious issues surrounding it.
- Abortion in the United States: A Reference HandbookPresents the pro-life/pro-choice controversy, showing all aspects of the debate and why it is so difficult to resolve.
- Historical and Multicultural Encyclopedia of Women's Reproductive Rights in the United StatesDesigned to introduce the reader to the topic by offering a variety of opinions from both sides supported by hard evidence.
- Encyclopedia of Women's HealthProvides practical information, historical aspects, and future directions on a variety of women's health topics, including reproductive issues.
- The Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of SexualityContains information on abortion for particular countries. The entry for the United States is extensive.
- The Oxford Encyclopedia of the History of American Science, Medicine, and TechnologyProvides information about abortion from a public health and legal standpoint.
- The Gale Encyclopedia of Public HealthContains entries on abortion, women's health, reproductive health, and other public health issues.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowGives overviews of major topic areas (including abortion). Includes articles, lists of other resources, and Pro and Con arguments for most topics.