Abortion: A Doctor's Perspective

Sloan, a New York City obstetrician, gynecologist and sex therapist, and Hartz, who writes educational materials, have penned a straight-talking memoir that states the case for choice compassionately and eloquently. Most powerful of all is the first chapter, about Sloan's experiences as a medical resident in the days before abortions were legal. In searing detail, the authors describe women brought into hospital emergency rooms after botched abortions, some self-induced, others performed by back-alley abortionists. A more palatable section follows, explaining why Sloan started performing abortions at the first legal abortion clinic in New York City. Elsewhere the authors discuss individual women's decisions to have abortion and their struggles. A chapter chronicling Sloan's encounter with another gynecologist, a one-time abortion-rights advocate who now squarely opposes abortion, adds depth and enhances Sloan's credibiity. Both sensible and sensitive, this entrant in the abortion-rights controversy reflects a valuable perspective. (Jan.)