Routledge - Abortion and the Private Practice of Medicine

Explore a unique sociological study of medical ethics and decision-making in Abortion and the Private Practice of Medicine by Routledge. This foundational text provides a rare look at how physicians in private practice navigate the complexities of reproductive healthcare. Author Jonathan B. Imber conducted two years of intensive research, observing and interviewing twenty-six obstetrician-gynecologists in the city of Daleton. Because this city lacked a dedicated abortion clinic, the responsibility of deciding whether, when, and how to perform procedures rested entirely with individual doctors. This book captures that specific professional reality through direct observation and interviews. Beyond the fieldwork, the volume includes a historical survey of medical views on abortion and how the medical profession has responded over time. This work serves as a significant resource for those studying the intersection of medicine, law, and social sciences, offering deep insight into the personal and professional lives of doctors working outside of large clinical institutions.