This is a superb resource. It provides students access to rich, finely textured narratives, a wealth of background materials, and encourages them to develop their own position as they go along. It places all of these elements within the larger context or a search for common ground, an admirable and often neglected element in the abortion discussion in America.
People have strong opinions, which is fine.
But Abortion in America helps to show the human side of abortion choices, and lets students think and deliberate. Finally a computer technology for teaching that works. The interactive nature of the CD makes the pursuit of the content exciting and dynamic and the use of stories provides an unique focus for examining ethical and policy issues. Despite the longevity of the abortion conflict, too many Americans really do not understand, or are prepared to ignore, the important concerns that fuel the passion about this issue. While I do not assume that activists on the two sides will agree with everyone contained in this CD, I see real value in The Issue of Abortion in America as a vehicle for its users, primarily students, to become more intelligent about abortion, less captive to stereotypes and assumptions, less dismissive of other views and experiences, and more prepared to grapple honestly with the issues that it raises.