Transatlantic Conversations The Emergence of Society-Protective Antiabortion Arguments in the United States, Europe, and Russia

Abstract

In this chapter Susanna Mancini and Kristina Stoeckl showcase the parallel evolution of antiabortion arguments and strategies in North America, Europe, and Russia. The surprising convergences that the authors identify not only testify to the existence of transnational conversations among Western and Russian pro-life activists but also signal a new step in global antiabortion discourse. This novelty centers on society-protective arguments that shift the focus in the abortion debate away from the woman and the fetus to society as a whole. In this evolution from fetus-protective to society-protective, the authors trace a shifting emphasis in the use of conscientious objection. Whereas traditionally individuals invoked conscientious objection to obtain an exemption from generally applicable laws, in the field of reproductive rights it has become a collective instrument designed to subvert existing laws and practices with the purpose of eliminating reproductive rights in the name of the good of society.

Keywords: abortion, contraception, conscience objection, Russian Orthodox Church, conservative evangelicalism, social movements, transnational litigation, constitutional adjudication