The Politics of Abortion: A Study of Community Conflict in Public Policy Making

Abstract

The author describes the various stages in the abortion policy making process. Since the 1960s the abortion issue has been put on the public agenda a major accomplishment considering the religious opposition to even discussing the issue publicly. Since the case of Roe v. Wade community conflict has been the dominant factor of the abortion issue; a community conflict involves all social classes and persists for a long period of time. The success of political activity in bringing the issue to a head lies partly in the ability to cultivate public approval and claim a degree of legitimacy for change. The goals of the 1960s movements were limited and met with some success; by the 1970s the goals were more encompassing and pro-life groups gained some sympathy as well. In the 1970s arguments about the meaning of human life and the integrity of civil rights were common and the issue became intertwined with that of womens rights. As an emotional issue abortion has brought more people into the debate than other political problems especially among the lower socioeconomic classes. In considering turning the consensus into public policy one must consider the great degree of controversy surrounding abortion and the tendency of lawmakers to adhere to grass roots opinions when dealing with highly emotional matters. Actual provision of services involving medical professionals is another problem which may vary in degree from region to region. Further research should involve the following problems: 1) what other types of issues seem comparable to abortion 2) what specific variables impinge upon all of these issues and 3) can any paradigm be used to explain this policy.