“Manages to bring the lived experience of people in different social contexts to the fore, all while applying a systemic analytic approach ... Marcus-Delgado’s book is a great contribution.” ―Elizabeth Borland, Bulletin of Latin American Research "Marcus-Delgado offers a rich … account of the political process of abortion reform. . . . A valuable feature of the book is the extensive and richly documented recount of women’s personal stories of their attempts to find justice.” ―Debora, Lopreite, Latin American Politics and SocietyWith Latin America home to some of the most draconian bans on abortion in the world, abortion rights is one of the most controversial and hotly contested topics in Latin American politics today. Jane Marcus-Delgado explores the ways in which key actors―from politicians to grassroots activists to the global community―participate and shape strategies in the ongoing debate. Marcus-Delgado sheds new light on the dire situation of Latin American women facing unwanted pregnancies, and on the interactions between the state and its most vulnerable members of society.CONTENTS: The Politics of Abortion in Latin America.Intersections of Morality and Political Reality.From Revolution and Reform to "Right to Life."Pressure from Below.When Civil Society Meets Uncivil Opponents.Private Lives on the Global Stage.Outside Forces at Work.The Promise of Public Debate.