“There are events in history we now look back upon and wonder how the people at that time could possibly have let them happen ... historical moments where careful thought was trumped by what people wanted regardless of moral atrocity. We have such an event unfolding in our generation with the abortion of millions, with its pro-life/pro-choice controversy. Philosopher Hendrik van der Breggen provides an enormously valuable contribution toward this discussion for two reasons: (a) his thoughtful, philosophically sound arguments (that are first class yet accessible) and (b) the references he provides to substantiate his responses.” —Kirk Durston, PhD (University of Guelph), Director of Research and Publications, Digital Strategies, contributing author for Everyday Apologetics (Lexham Press) and The First Gene (Longview Press Academic, Biological Research Division), author of publications in academic journals of both philosophy and science

“Abortion is an emotional topic. When emotions are big, we tend to lose our thinking caps. Dr. van der Breggen, however, has done the work to carefully think through common arguments and words that tangle us up. Society tries to convince us that abortion (and now euthanasia) is OK. In family medicine we see the abortion act aftermath of grief and traumatized lives. This response speaks to the fact that, for us as a species, life is considered precious and demonstrates the core belief that a fetus is indeed a live human being. Thank you for giving us language to present, represent, and defend this crucial truth.” —Gwynneth van der Byl, MD, Family Physician

“Hendrik van der Breggen’s book, Untangling Popular Pro-Choice Arguments, is a careful, compassionate and, dare I say, witty treatment of what is the single most important ethical issue before us today. The way we answer the question of abortion will define us for generations to come. For that reason, it is essential to have more than mere popular opinions and beliefs on the subject and Hendrik provides both in a way that is equally timely and accessible.” —Thom Van Dycke, Pastor, Southland Church (Steinbach, Manitoba), Foster Care Advocate

“In Untangling Popular Pro-Choice Arguments, Hendrik van der Breggen offers a clear, concise, and charitable take on many applied ethical issues at the beginning of life. With his characteristically measured approach to argument, van der Breggen addresses common points of disagreement between pro-life and pro-choice thinkers regarding human personhood, agency, and social issues relevant to abortion. This book is a valuable contribution for those seeking clarity in an oftentimes complex debate. A much-needed example of the value of public philosophy on a profound and polarizing issue.” —Zach Reimer, PhD (candidate), Department of Philosophy, University of Oklahoma

“In a time when communication is siloed to agreeing groups and cross-communication is all too often misunderstanding, misconstrual, or misrepresentation, it is important to have a thinker call us back to reason. Hendrik van der Breggen is just such a thinker. With clarity, compassion, and goodwill, Dr. van der Breggen does just what the title says: he untangles arguments. He does not demolish people, but gives those on all sides of this most emotional of debates calm, reasoned conclusions that invite further reflection. Whether you find your views on abortion confirmed or challenged, by the end of this book you will have thought the matter through rather than merely reacted.” —Reverend Tim Perry, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Saint Paul University and Trinity School for Ministry, editor of The Theology of Benedict XVI: A Protestant Appreciation (Lexham Press)

“We are in a cultural moment in which a woman’s right to choose is deemed more important than a baby’s right to live. In order to fit this narrative, we are encouraged to blindly accept abortion as health care or to philosophize in such a way that the baby doesn’t qualify as a person (so it’s permissible to end its life). In Untangling Popular Pro-Choice Arguments, Hendrik van der Breggen challenges the narrative and proves that the abortion debate is far from settled.” —Susan Penner, MBA, Business Owner, City Councillor

“Sadly, our culture sometimes seems desensitized or overly used to the topic of abortion. Yet if we care not about the most vulnerable lives what does that say about us? This important work clearly and concisely addresses the popular level concerns surrounding abortion, the intentional killing of an innocent human being—a human person. In this work van der Breggen seeks to accurately represent the pro-choice position while charitably undercutting, rebutting, and refuting various claims and arguments related to the denial of personhood, the bodies of the mother and unborn, and other pertinent matters. Helpfully, since these claims and arguments made are at the popular level, the author provides a nice reading list at the end of the book for those who want more. It’s an important read for those who care and an even more important read for those who don’t.” —Corey Miller, PhD (University of Aberdeen), President of Ratio Christi: Campus Apologetics Alliance, co-editor of Is Faith in God Reasonable? Debates in Philosophy, Science, and Rhetoric (Routledge)

“What a refreshing read! Dr. van der Breggen writes in a way that is easy to understand even for those who have never studied philosophy. The abortion debate is so tangled up in politics and slogans that reason gets left out of the discussion. This book approaches the overused and underthought arguments from a place of logic, allowing the reader to look again at what it means to be a member of the human race. I also found it refreshing that he is able to remove both politics and religion from the discussion around abortion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they already understand the abortion arguments circling through social media.” —Roger Gingerich, MD, Family Physician, former Chairman of the Board, Providence University College and Seminary, former Executive Director of Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada

“Professor van der Breggen tackles the arguments around abortion one at a time giving the reader the opportunity to think critically each step of the way. Untangling Popular Pro-Choice Arguments works hard to comprehensively catalogue the current questions and charges raised by supporters of abortion and this book will be helpful for those looking to understand the arguments surrounding the rights and humanity of the pre-born child.” —Tabitha Ewert, JD, Legal Counsel, We Need a Law

“Professor van der Breggen makes a valuable contribution to the abortion debate in systematically identifying the arguments used by pro-choice advocates to justify and promote women’s access to abortion and seeking to refute each of them. People on both sides of the debate, whether pro-life or pro-choice, will agree with some of van der Breggen’s arguments and disagree with others, but we will all be forced to analyse more precisely, whether our stance is ethical and justified. In short, whatever our position on abortion this book merits reading.” —Margaret Somerville, AM, FRSC, DCL, Professor of Bioethics, Affiliate of the Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia

“I thoroughly enjoyed Untangling Popular Pro-Choice Arguments. Hendrik van der Breggen addresses the most common challenges to the pro-life position and offers brief and well-researched responses. ... Whether you are new to this issue, or have been studying it for years like me, you will benefit greatly from reading and studying Dr. van der Breggen’s book.” —Sean McDowell, PhD, Associate Professor of Apologetics, Biola University

“This is the clearest and most thorough summary of standard (plus many non-standard but important) pro-choice arguments and of sound pro-life replies to them that I have read. Van der Breggen is fair, patient, and non-abrasive to the pro-choice arguments he refutes. His counter-arguments are cogent, succinct, and intelligible. This will be a must-read for anyone seriously interested in the topic, and will make a great text for applied ethics, bioethics, or introductory ethics classes.” —Patrick Lee, PhD, Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Center for Bioethics, Franciscan University of Steubenville