Regulating Reproduction

This work examines the genesis of reproductive rights in Britian and France over the course of the 20th century. It combines legal analysis with political analysis as well as offering a cross-cultural perspective. Both countries have had to grapple with fundamental medical and social issues central to reproduction, such as the opposing rights of women and those of the foetus. Gradually over the century, both have provided statutory responses to the problems posed particularly by contraception, abortion and assisted conception. Comparison between their legal provision and heated political debates demonstrated forcibly the very different cultural and social heritage of both countries. The book concentrates on the role played by the various interest groups involved in the area of women's reproduction, namely medical professionals, religious groups, and feminists using the Policy Network theory on interest group behaviour.