Policing pregnant bodies From ancient Greece to post-Roe America

Crowther (Univ. of Oklahoma), a very knowledgeable historian of reproduction, effectively draws together ancient and modern religious and philosophical thought about the importance of the developing fetus and the minimal role (as told from the mostly male perspective) of the pregnant female body. The fetus has been thoroughly studied, examined, and documented in much detail as a separate entity. The author discusses historical records of embryology and then explains its consequences in terms of less emphasis and attention on maternal morbidity and mortality. She points out that most maternal deaths are preventable and that pregnancy complications are more common than people believe. She also reports on criminal prosecutions of women who have miscarriages or stillbirths. Crowther links ancient and present fears about the dangers of the womb, the supposed toxic nature of menstrual blood, changing and contradictory advice about nutrition and exercise given to pregnant women, misinformation about conception and how to tell if a woman is pregnant, recommendations for avoiding miscarriage, quickening and "fetal heartbeat" bills and abortion bans, herbal abortifacients, slavery and sex workers, and much more. This book is well researched and well referenced with chapter notes and black-and-white illustrations. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals. --Ellen R. Paterson, emeritus, SUNY College at Cortland

With the battle for women's right to control their bodies and their choices to bear children again in the headlines, Crowther's (science, technology, and medical history, Univ. of Oklahoma; Adam and Eve in the Protestant Reformation) book is both timely and important. She traces the history of human reproduction from ancient Greece to the contemporary United States, emphasizing the relationship of the fetus to the mother. The book indicates that ancient philosophers and early scientists--all men--considered the fetus to be of primary importance. They believed that women and their uteruses were merely vessels to carry a baby, and they were viewed as separate entities, one active and growing, the other a passive incubator. It is easy to see that despite the major gains in scientific and medical knowledge, these basic attitudes prevail. In fact, historically, women have been prosecuted for murder after miscarriages. Crowther draws a map from the early thinkers to the current group of anti-reproductive rights activists, who are causing increased maternal mortality by restricting access to needed health care, nutrition, and support for mothers and children. VERDICT This book is a wake-up call for those who care about and for women and children.--Barbara M. Bibel