Reproductive politics is one of the most contentious arenas of American life. The term describes power struggles over contraception and abortion; race, sterilization, and social provision; adoption and surrogacy; and other related issues. Since the '70s, when the court granted women the ability to choose, public officials have used legislatures, courts, and the media to define, advocate, and attempt to legislate a complex array of public powers over female reproduction. The issue of female fertility and its consequences to the state became the subject of constant, sometimes violent debate that continues to defy resolution and shape national politics in the twenty-first century. Focusing on the United States, Solinger's book will explore the historical, legal, political, religious, social, ethical, medical, and other dimensions of reproductive politics.