Beyond control

Who really controls access to abortion services in Britain, supposedly one of the most liberal western countries on this issue? Recognizing that abortion has slipped off the mainstream political (and specifically feminist) agenda, at least in the UK, Sheldon argues that the 'medicalization' of abortion law has rendered women powerless over their own bodies. She acknowledges that repoliticising abortion may mean that feminists face a backlash, but maintains that failure to act could close down vital avenues of choice and control when pressures to eliminate abortion are becoming stronger in some areas of society.