Diosa Ara Research Database (Confidential)

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Reproductive Justice Research

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### Summary and Detailed Outline

#### 1. Randall Balmer, "The Religious Right and the Abortion Myth," Politico Magazine, May 10, 2022

**Summary:** Randall Balmer argues that the Religious Right’s strong stance on abortion is a myth. He suggests that the movement initially focused on other issues, like segregation in schools, and only later adopted abortion as a central cause to unite various conservative Christian factions.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of the Religious Right - Common perception vs. historical reality

2. **Early Focus of the Religious Right** - Issues of segregation in schools - Initial lack of focus on abortion

3. **Shift to Abortion** - Strategic decision to adopt abortion as a unifying cause - Key figures and events in the shift - Impact of political and social dynamics

4. **Implications** - Influence on contemporary politics - Misconceptions about the origins and priorities of the Religious Right

5. **Conclusion** - Reflection on historical narrative vs. myth - Call for a nuanced understanding of the movement

#### 2. Neil J. Young and Gillian Frank, "What Everyone Gets Wrong about Evangelicals and Abortion," Washington Post, May 16, 2022

**Summary:** Young and Frank challenge the simplified narrative that evangelicals have always been uniformly anti-abortion. They highlight the diversity of opinions within evangelical communities and the historical evolution of evangelical views on abortion.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of evangelical views on abortion - Common misconceptions

2. **Historical Context** - Early evangelical positions on abortion - Differences between evangelical denominations and leaders

3. **Evolution of Views** - Key turning points in the 1970s and 1980s - Role of political alliances and social movements

4. **Contemporary Evangelical Stance** - Current diversity within evangelical communities - Impact of political polarization

5. **Conclusion** - Importance of recognizing historical and present-day diversity - Implications for understanding evangelical engagement in politics

#### 3. Neil J. Young, *We Gather Together: The Religious Right and the Problem of Interfaith Politics* (Oxford University Press, 2015)

**Summary:** Neil J. Young explores the interfaith alliances that shaped the Religious Right. He examines how conservative Catholics, Mormons, and Protestants came together despite theological differences to influence American politics, particularly around issues like abortion.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of interfaith politics within the Religious Right

2. **Historical Background** - Early tensions and collaborations among conservative religious groups

3. **Formation of Alliances** - Key events and figures that facilitated interfaith cooperation - Strategies for overcoming theological differences

4. **Case Studies** - Specific examples of interfaith political efforts - Impact on issues like abortion and religious freedom

5. **Challenges and Tensions** - Internal conflicts within the alliances - External pressures from broader political and social contexts

6. **Conclusion** - Reflection on the successes and limitations of interfaith politics - Future prospects for religious collaboration in politics

#### 4. Kristen Luker, *Abortion & the Politics of Motherhood* (University of California Press, 1985)

**Summary:** Kristen Luker analyzes the abortion debate through the lens of motherhood. She investigates how differing views on abortion reflect broader social and cultural beliefs about gender roles, motherhood, and family.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of the abortion debate in the context of motherhood

2. **Historical and Social Context** - Evolution of attitudes towards abortion and motherhood - Impact of feminist movements

3. **Perspectives on Motherhood** - Pro-life vs. pro-choice views on motherhood - Cultural and ideological underpinnings

4. **Case Studies and Interviews** - Personal narratives and experiences - Analysis of how individual beliefs align with broader social trends

5. **Implications for Policy and Society** - Influence on legal and political landscapes - Effects on gender roles and family structures

6. **Conclusion** - Reflection on the intersection of abortion, motherhood, and politics - Call for a nuanced understanding of the issues

#### 5. Mary Ziegler, *After Roe: The Lost History of the Abortion Debate* (Harvard University Press, 2015)

**Summary:** Mary Ziegler traces the history of the abortion debate in the United States after the Roe v. Wade decision. She examines how the discourse evolved and how various social and political factors influenced the changing landscape of abortion rights and activism.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of the abortion debate post-Roe v. Wade

2. **Early Reactions to Roe** - Immediate responses from various groups - Initial legal and political challenges

3. **Evolution of the Debate** - Key events and turning points - Shifts in public opinion and activist strategies

4. **Influence of Social and Political Factors** - Role of religious, feminist, and conservative movements - Impact of broader political and cultural changes

5. **Case Studies** - Detailed analysis of significant legal cases and political actions - Personal stories of activists and affected individuals

6. **Contemporary Landscape** - Current state of the abortion debate - Ongoing challenges and future directions

7. **Conclusion** - Reflection on the historical trajectory of the debate - Implications for understanding and addressing current issues

#### 6. Ilyse Hogue and Ellie Langford, *The Lie That Binds* (Strong Arm Press, 2020)

**Summary:** Hogue and Langford argue that the anti-abortion movement is rooted in a broader agenda of maintaining control over women's bodies and reinforcing patriarchal structures. They examine the historical and political forces that have shaped the movement and its impact on women's rights.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of the anti-abortion movement and its broader agenda

2. **Historical Context** - Origins of the movement - Key events and figures in its development

3. **Political and Social Forces** - Intersection with other conservative and patriarchal agendas - Role of political parties and religious organizations

4. **Impact on Women's Rights** - Effects on reproductive rights and gender equality - Personal stories and case studies

5. **Contemporary Analysis** - Current state of the anti-abortion movement - Strategies and tactics used by activists

6. **Conclusion** - Reflection on the movement's broader implications - Call to action for defending women's rights

#### 7. Rick Perlstein, *Reaganland: America's Right Turn 1976-80* (Simon & Schuster, 2020)

**Summary:** Rick Perlstein examines the political and social transformations in America during the late 1970s, culminating in the election of Ronald Reagan. He explores how these changes influenced the rise of the Religious Right and its stance on issues like abortion.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of America's political landscape in the late 1970s

2. **Social and Political Transformations** - Key events and trends leading to Reagan's election - Role of economic, cultural, and political factors

3. **Rise of the Religious Right** - Formation and growth of the movement - Influence of prominent religious and political leaders

4. **Impact on Abortion Debate** - How the Religious Right shaped the discourse on abortion - Key moments and turning points in the debate

5. **Reagan's Influence** - Policies and actions taken during Reagan's presidency - Long-term effects on American politics and society

6. **Conclusion** - Reflection on the legacy of the late 1970s and early 1980s - Implications for contemporary political dynamics

#### 8. Daniel K. Williams, *Defenders of the Unborn: The Pro-Life Movement Before Roe v. Wade* (Oxford University Press, 2016)

**Summary:** Daniel K. Williams provides a historical account of the pro-life movement before the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. He highlights the movement's roots in various religious and secular contexts and its evolution over time.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of the pro-life movement before Roe v. Wade

2. **Early Roots** - Origins in religious and secular contexts - Key figures and events in the early movement

3. **Development Over Time** - Evolution of strategies and goals - Influence of social and political changes

4. **Intersection with Other Movements** - Relationship with civil rights, feminist, and other social movements - Collaborative and conflicting dynamics

5. **Case Studies** - Detailed analysis of significant actions and campaigns - Personal stories of activists and supporters

6. **Impact on Abortion Debate** - Contributions to shaping the discourse on abortion - Long-term effects on the movement and broader society

7. **Conclusion** - Reflection on the movement's legacy - Implications for understanding contemporary pro-life activism

#### 9. Joshua Wilson, *The Street Politics of Abortion: Speech, Violence, and America's Culture Wars* (Stanford University Press, 2013)

**Summary:** Joshua Wilson explores the contentious street-level activism surrounding the abortion debate in America. He examines the tactics, rhetoric, and violence used by both pro-life and pro-choice activists and the broader cultural implications.

**Detailed Outline:** 1. **Introduction** - Overview of street-level abortion activism