Title: Abortion Policy in Western Democracies: A Cross‐National Analysis
Abstract: This article provides a comparative analysis of abortion policies for 21 countries in Western Europe and North America. First, after briefly discussing the historical evolution of abortion attitudes and policies, a typology of current abortion laws is presented. Second, the mode of determining abortion policy is compared — judicial (Germany, Canada), legislative (Britain, France), and direct democracy (referenda in Italy, Ireland). Third, the question of abortion policy implementation is considered. In other words, does the legal status of abortion really make a difference regarding the pattern of availability and use of abortion services? Fourth, potential explanatory variables (left‐wing party strength, feminism, Catholicism) regarding the content and process of abortion policies is evaluated.
Publication Year: 1992
Publication Date: 1992-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 3
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