pmd@cbsck.UUCP (Paul M. Dubuc) (12/31/85)
[-] _Pro-Life Feminism: Different Voices_ Gail Grenier Sweet, Ed. Life Cycle Books, 1985 (230 pp. quality paper) "Can you be a pro-life feminist?" This book not only answers "yes" to this question, but presents an argument that pro-choice support of abortion-on-demand is inconsistent with a radical (i.e. root, or basic) feminist stand. The book is a collection of short articles (most of them previously published) written by members of pro-life, (mostly liberal) feminist organizations, the most prominent being "Feminists for Life". The book outlines the basic position of these feminists, how they differ from the large pro-choice organizations like NOW and NARAL. They share their own experiences with abortion, attempt to turn common pro-choice arguments on their heads (and they do a very effective job, in this biased reader's opinion), and present alternatives to abortion that consistently uphold the dignity and humanity of both woman and child. These women (mostly) are avid supporters of BOTH the ERA and the HLA (Human Life Amendment). The only thing they don't seem to have in common with the "mainline" feminist groups is their position on abortion. Some of the articles illustrate just how important this single issue is to be accepted by these groups as a "true" feminist. For those that are used to the common, polarized view of the abortion issue, reading this book should be quite an experience. It is a side of the issue that has been heard by very few people. Truly, different voices... The book may be ordered from the publisher: Life Cycle Books Ltd. USA office: 2205 Danforth Avenue Life Cycle Books Toronto, Ontario P.O. Box 792 M4C 1K4 Lewiston, NY 14092-0792 (416) 690-5860 I forget how much I paid for my copy, about $6.95 +P&H, I think. The address of Feminists for Life is: Feminists for Life of America 811 East 47th St. Kansas City, Mo. 64110 -- Paul Dubuc cbsck!pmd
krantz@csd2.UUCP (Michaelntz) (01/03/86)
Anyone interested in the following critical issue: > "Can you be a pro-life feminist?" This book not only answers "yes" > to this question, but presents an argument that pro-choice support > of abortion-on-demand is inconsistent with a radical (i.e. root, > or basic) feminist stand. should get their hands on the December issues of the Village Voice, in which Nat Hentoff has been running a series of articles on Congresswoman Mary Oakar, (from a Midwest state, perhaps Ohio) who is a leading Representative on women's rights (young mothers, the elderly, housing subsidies, etc.) who follows the NOW line to the letter on every issue but abortion, on which she is pro-life, and therefore, despite her outstanding track record fighting for women's rights in Congress, anathema to feminist political groups. Hentoff's columns bring quite effectively to light the hypocrisies and contradictions such a situation show in organizations like NOW. Personally I'm pro-choice, but the Mary Oakar story is fascinating. A must-read, for those so inclined. - Michael Krantz - - - - - "The text reveals the process of its own production."