Who really controls access to abortion services in Britain, supposedly one of the most liberal western countries on this issue? Recognizing that abortion has slipped off the mainstream political (and specifically feminist) agenda, at least in the UK, Sheldon argues that the 'medicalization' of abortion law has rendered women powerless over their own bodies. She acknowledges that repoliticising abortion may mean that feminists face a backlash, but maintains that failure to act could close down vital avenues of choice and control when pressures to eliminate abortion are becoming stronger in...

Discussion of the legal status, responsibilities, and rights of men who are fathers - whether they are married or unmarried, cohabiting or separated, biological or 'social' in nature - has a long history. In recent years, however, western societies have witnessed a heightening of concern about whether families need fathers and, if so, what kinds of fathers these should be. A debate about the future of fatherhood has become central to a range of conversations about the changing family, parenting, and society. Law has served an important role in these discussions, serving as a focal point for...