Charles C. Camosy

Beyond the Abortion Wars: A Way Forward for a New Generation by Charles C. Camosy attempts to break down the divisive all or nothing form of public and political debate on abortion, address the nuances and come to a compromise position suitable for the vast majority. This commendable goal is not achieved in this ambitious book, though I don't believe it was for lack of honest effort.

While Camosy tries to avoid the hardline dichotomies that rule abortion debates (liberal/conservative, secular/religious, etc) he never fully leaves behind the secular vs religious type of argument. Additionally, the part of the compromise that might be considered as the right/Republican compromise calls for the types of assistance and security that should be in place regardless of any position on abortion. In exchange, the pro-choice side is supposed to pretty much capitulate on abortion.

While he proposes legislation that would indeed help women and children (which shouldn't be tied to abortion but done simply because it is the right thing to do) he does not believe that re-criminalization of abortion would negatively impact women. Historically, abortions will take place whether they are legal or not. Those with money will find a save avenue while those desperate will go back to, both figuratively and literally, the coat hanger. In other words, many of the women who get an abortion, particularly those who are financially unable or are afraid to let their fellow churchgoers know, risk serious injury and death. That would seem to me to be a negative impact.

I do believe that Camosy sincerely tried to argue both sides but his background and own strong background makes it difficult to fully argue the points of most pro-choice advocates. Not to mention that the law is not religious but is secular. If I believe based on science that life does not begin at conception and I also know the Bible does not dispute this, then my belief system does not stand in the way of an abortion because it is not, by any rational standard, murder or "taking an innocent life" as many like to claim. Since medical science agrees, then the law (again, this is not religious law that governs the land but civil/secular law) should allow abortions. Those whose belief systems are less rational and don't take into account medical science are free to not get an abortion even if a result of rape or accidental or unable to support a child.

While I obviously do not agree with the "compromise" put forth nor do I believe the information presented was entirely accurate and most certainly poorly expressed on the side of pro-choice, I still think this book should be read by most people regardless of where they stand. This is an attempt to do more than repeat slogans from either end of the debate spectrum and acknowledges that many positions are not as strongly grounded as many believe. As an early attempt to get beyond demonizing those on the other side (no matter which side) it is a good start. I believe it falls short but it opens the dialogue.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (more)