Who Chooses? ― American Reproductive History Since 1830

"This book is the first to synthesize the intertwined histories of contraception, sterilization, and abortion in nineteenth- and twentieth-century America. Caron skillfully blends the local study of reproductive history in the state of Rhode Island into her thorough re-telling of the larger story that played out on the national stage."--Elizabeth Watkins, University of California, San Francisco

"Offers a wealth of new research into the politics of reproduction. The close attention Caron devotes to debates and transformations within the African-American community provides a revealing counterpoint to the larger national picture."--Amy S. Greenberg, Pennsylvania State University

In 1860, the American Medical Association launched a campaign to convince state legislatures to prohibit abortions. Until 1973's Roe v. Wade, abortion was often seen as a crime. Who Chooses? analyzes the forces at play in shaping reproductive policy in the United States.

Over the past two centuries, restrictive reproductive policies have often served as barriers to women's equality. The impact of these policies has been felt most poignantly at the local level by women endeavoring to control their daily lives. Simone Caron reveals that despite attempts by population controllers to shape the populace according to their own agendas, women throughout the years have sought means to choose for themselves the best reproduction option to suit their personal situation. She examines the political, moral, and economic forces that shaped reproductive policies and the impact they have had on women's ability to choose how to control their bodies.

Simone M. Caron is chair and associate professor of history at Wake Forest University.