The Criminalization of a Woman's Body (Paperback)

This book addresses the trend of introducing and passing laws regulating the actions of women and the treatment of their bodies. It 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 women'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 attempting to regulate women's behaviour and physical health. Scholars from Israel, Italy, and the United States provide a multidimensional discussion of the problems 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 legalization 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 behaviour 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 into foster care. Professors, students, librarians, agency workers dealing with women's issues, and women and men in the general public should find this a helpful tool in sorting through the complex issues on criminalizing women's bodies.