By 1850, most contraceptive methods and abortion were illegal in America. But in the late 19th century, American women began demanding the right to prevent or terminate pregnancy. Gordon traces the story of this controversy, and includes new material on recent movements to outlaw abortion.

The politics of reproduction : The prohibition on birth control -- The folklore of birth control -- The criminals -- Prudent sex: neo-Malthusianism and perfectionism. Toward women's power : Voluntary motherhood: the beginnings of the birth-control movement -- Social purity and eugenics -- Race suicide -- Continence or indulgence: the doctors and the "sexual revolution" -- Birth control and social revolution. From women's rights to family planning : The professionalization of birth control -- The Depression -- Planned parenthood -- A note on population control -- Reproductive rights in the 1970s: birth control in the era of the Women's Liberation Movement -- Birth control in the era of conservatism and runaway technology: the 1980s -- Sexuality, feminism, and birth control today

This groundbreaking book addresses the ominous trend of introducing and passing laws and court decisions regulating the actions of women and the control of their bodies. One of the few books published on the criminalization of women’s bodies, this timely book takes a serious look at the effect these laws would have on women and the threat to their autonomy, privacy, and control; their bodily integrity; control over reproductive capacities; and their constitutional rights. From ancient literature to the literature and law of contemporary society, a woman’s value has often rested on her fulfilling expected roles as wife and mother. The lack of respect for women inherent in this predominantly male-oriented line of thinking is reinforced in this new trend of legislation and court decisions attempting to regulate women’s behavior and reproductive capacity. The Criminalization of a Woman’s Body thoroughly discusses these special laws governing women’s personal choices and the threats these laws and court decisions pose to women’s autonomy and constitutional rights. Scholars from Israel, Italy, and the United States provide a multidimensional discussion of the problem facing women in many, if not all, countries. Contributors represent various disciplines including, law, philosophy, medicine, political science, sociology, women’s studies, and criminal justice. Articles analyze sensitive issues surrounding abortion and its impending criminalization in several countries; controversial topics on contract motherhood; the power of administrative agencies to control and informally criminalize pregnant women and new mothers; policies meant to protect the fetus from pregnant women who deviate from medically, socially, and legally sanctioned behavior which may deter women from seeking any medical care; and the destruction of families due to the criminalization of pregnant women and new mothers and the consequent removal of their children and placement into foster care. Professors, students, librarians, agency workers dealing with women’s issues, and women and men in the general public will find this important book a helpful tool in sorting through the complex issues on criminalizing women’s bodies.

Drawing on surveys and interviews with almost 300 female military personnel, Melissa Herbert explores how women's everyday actions, such as choice of uniform, hobby, or social activity, involve the creation and re-creation of what it means to be a woman, and particularly a woman soldier. Do women feel pressured to be "more masculine," to convey that they are not a threat to men's jobs or status and to avoid being perceived as lesbians? She also examines the role of gender and sexuality in the maintenance of the male-defined military institution, proposing that, more than sexual harassment or individual discrimination, it is the military's masculine ideology--which views military service as the domain of men and as a mechanism for the achievement of manhood--which serves to limit women's participation in the military has increased dramatically. In the wake of armed conflict involving female military personnel and several sexual misconduct scandals, much attention has focused on what life is like for women in the armed services. Few, however, have examined how these women negotiate an environment that has been structured and defined as masculine.

'A woman's body is without parallel. It is the source of all human life, an object of constant fascination, admiration and desire, and the wellspring of an enormous range of physical and creative achievements.' *Compiled by a team of experts in every field, from gynaecology and endocrinology to physiology and sociology, headed by leading expert on women's health issues, Dr Miriam Stoppard *Offers practical advice on a wide range of topics, from women's nutritional needs and contraception to combating depression and resolving sexual problems *Features the most up-to-date medical research and screening procedures *Hundreds of colour photographs, drawings and charts illustrate every aspect of being a woman *Enables women to make informed choices about their bodies and their lives

Lauren Weedman's hilarious essays read like a compendium of what not to do as a fully-realized, functional adult. Her self-deprecating, confessional, and terribly funny voice finds a special place in the hearts of those who can relate to her - which, for better or worse, includes all of us. From the uproarious account of her time at the Daily Sh...