Abortion and Common Sense. By Ruth Dixon-Mueller and Paul KB Dagg. 298 pp. Philadelphia, Xlibris Corporation, 2002. $18.69 (paper). ISBN 1–4010-5954–6.

The abortion debate is often characterized by a passionate defense of rather narrowly focused moral, religious, and political beliefs. Broader social and health issues surrounding the abortion issue have typically received less attention despite that an estimated 600,000 women die annually from the complications of pregnancy (including unsafe abortion) and childbirth; and every year 100 million unwanted pregnancies occur. Abortion and Common Sense was written to address the practicalities of abortion and to expand discussion of the dilemmas faced by women considering an abortion, realizing all the while that common ground on this subject is probably unachievable.

The first part of the book provides an excellent review of current fertility practices, factors involved in making the abortion decision, descriptions of the abortion procedure, and the “myth of regret.” The discussions are balanced and well-researched, with global and culturally sensitive perspectives. The second half of the book probes several key issues within the public debate, including abortion and the law, abortion within the medical profession, and the politics of public policy.

The text is generally quite readable, and each chapter is supported by chapter notes and multiple references. A separate section details pro-choice organizations in both Canada and the United States, although there is no comparable section on pro-life organizations. Highlights include an historical review of abortion and comparison of privately versus publicly expressed opinions on abortion. The authors’ approach to abortion misconceptions through the use of test questions and evidence-based review of the answers is particularly helpful to the reader.

The family physician, resident, and medical student are all well served by this rigorous discussion of abortion, particularly related to health and safety issues. It takes the reader beyond emotionality and myths to appreciate the day-to-day practicalities of this important issue in women’s reproductive health. This book is an excellent educational choice for those on both sides of the abortion debate.