Abortion Law

Paper Summary:

This paper explains the theories of French 20th century philosopher Michel Foucault, which focus on relationships of human power to knowledge and discourses and on manifestations of these in real life based on various power dynamics. The paper suggests that the application of Foucault's theories to the topic of abortion is appropriate because abortion is a procedure only made possible by science. Therefore, abortion is an abstract entity based on the doctor's medical knowledge and power to accept or reject a patient for an abortion for scientific reasons. The paper reviews the abortion process and laws and concludes that these distinctions among various countries point to diverse nationally-based power/language influences.

From the Paper:

"In terms of other, often invisible, power relationships that also bear on abortion law in any given location: before being enacted or even proposed, especially in the U.S., such potential laws are likely discussed; lobbied for or against; fueled or derailed by non-lawmaking, influential peoples' or groups promises; bribes; threats; phone call or email campaigns, etc. Each has to do, also with language-power relationships Foucault describes. For instance, hypothetically, U.S. Congressional Representative A, R-Georgia, a strongly Baptist anti-abortion state, proposes a new bill outlawing abortion."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Abortion Law." Wikipedia. 15 Jun 2007. 23 Jun 2007, http://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_law.html>.
• Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish. Trans. Alan Sheridan. Paris: Gallimard, 1977.
• ---. Surveilleur et punir. Paris: Gallimard, 1975.
• Gallagher, Michael. "Foucault, Power, and Participation." School of Social and
• Political Studies, University of Edinburgh [nd]. 23 Jun 2007 <http://www.childhoodstudies.ed.ac.uk/research/MGallagher.doc.html>.

More papers on Abortion Law:

• Research Paper # 4107 : "The Issue of Abortion and Abortion Law"
• Analytical Essay # 107557 : "Michael Foucault and Abortion Law"
• Argumentative Essay # 101534 : "Reconsideration of Abortion Laws"

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