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April 01, 2022

New guide provides latest analyses on abortion and the law

CHICAGO, July 15, 2021 — A new book from the American Bar Association, “Whose Choice Is It? Abortion, Medicine, and the Law, 7th Edition,” is the definitive guide that addresses every aspect of reproductive health and abortion both in the United States and worldwide. It also addresses changing contraceptive and abortion practices, and what the future likely holds. No other source provides the comprehensive medical, ethical and legal analyses that this book does.

Some of the world’s foremost experts address abortion practices from legal, medical, political and moral perspectives and provide a historical perspective on women’s access to abortion and contraception, including Dr. Rebecca Gomperts — the world’s leading deliverer of abortion care in restrictive countries — among other pertinent perspectives.

“Whose Choice Is It?” is a valuable resource whatever the fate of the Roe and Doe decisions in the United States.

About the authors

David F. Walbert received degrees in physics from Stanford University and the University of Michigan before receiving his law degree with honors from Case Western Reserve University. In addition to representing clients in many constitutional cases, including before the U.S. Supreme Court, Walbert has taught constitutional law and constitutional litigation at Emory University School of Law, spoken frequently at legal education seminars and published articles in various legal journals. In addition to more traditional litigation, notable clients include past governors of Georgia, the Georgia state judiciary, the U.S. Senate and civil rights groups. His litigation practice has included cases involving medical standards and regulatory issues that overlap with the many medical issues addressed in “Whose Choice Is It?”

J. Douglas Butler studied at Case Western Reserve University’s joint program with the schools of medicine and law. Upon completion of his studies, he served as a medical missionary in Ecuador, where he became keenly aware of the appalling reproductive medical care in Latin America. The shocking state of family planning and contraception, abortion access and what passed for medical care for newborns with physical deficiencies reinforced Butler’s views about morality and medicine. He then studied pediatric orthopedics in Portugal. After returning to the United States, Butler practiced medicine in Maryland and was inducted into the American College of Legal Medicine.

What others are saying about “Whose Choice Is It?”:

“‘Whose Choice Is It?’ provides unparalleled coverage of every aspect of abortion — legal, philosophical, medical, historical and political. This is the one must-have book for anyone with an interest in the subject, no matter which side of the debate you are on.” — Gale Messerman, counsel for plaintiffs in Doe v. Bolton, U.S. Supreme Court

“Walbert, Butler and the ABA have done a great public service in publishing ‘Whose Choice is It?’ It is a wealthy compendium of perspectives and information about the universally important, never-ending debate on abortion. It is a mandatory go-to resource for anyone interested in the subject.” — Dorothy Toth Beasley, former Georgia assistant attorney general and defense counsel in Doe v. Bolton, U.S. Supreme Court

“Choice, life and power have defined the issue of abortion, but after decades of struggle, protest, litigation and legislation, freedom must define abortion in the 21st century — the freedom for a woman to finally have control of her destiny. ‘Whose Choice Is It?’ provides the medical, legal, moral and historical information needed to guide us to the future.” — U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.)

“As a trial judge and supreme court justice, I know how crucial it is to have the very best information when deciding important issues. ‘Whose Choice Is It?’ is an outstanding source of legal, medical and historical information that will give everyone a deeper understanding of the vital issues that are part of the debate over abortion and a woman’s right to choose.” — Leah Ward Sears, former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court

“Walbert and Butler’s ‘Whose Choice Is It?’ completely updates and expands their outstanding series. Their comprehensive and unbiased discussion of the legal, moral and medical aspects of the pro-life/pro-choice debate is a must-read to learn about the past and present and perhaps predict the future of this hot-button societal issue.” — Linda Klein, past president of the American Bar Association

Title:                       Whose Choice Is It? Abortion, Medicine, and the Law, 7th Edition
Publisher:              ABA Publishing
Pages:                   846
Product Code:       1620805
ISBN:                     9781641058896
Size:                      7x10
Binding:                Paperback and eBook
Price:                     $129.95
Orders:                   www.shopaba.org

Editor’s note: Electronic review copies are available by sending an email to Francine Bennett-Beasley at [email protected]. If you publish a review of this book, please send tear sheets or a copy for our files to Francine Bennett-Beasley, ABA Publishing, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654.

 

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