The abortion and birth control debate is about to be radically altered with the upcoming publication of, Sacred Choices: The Right to Contraception and Abortion in Ten World Religions. The book, due to be published July 2001, examines the age-old argument of right to life debaters, namely are birth control and abortion sins according to established religious beliefs. For decades, zealots of the right to life movement have stood by the conviction that the Bible, Koran, Talmud, Torah and other great books of religion expressly forbid and condemn the practice of contraception and abortion. In actuality, they do not.

Written by Daniel C. Maguire, a highly respected Professor of Ethics in the Theology Department of Marquette University, Sacred Choices presents facts and evidence proving that, while the subjects of birth control and abortion are alluded to in reference, they are never specifically outlined and forbidden. "The Bible does not condemn abortion," asserts Maquire, having combed through Scriptures and conducting a thorough analysis of the original teachings and practices of the major religions. "There is room in religion for other teachings on family planning," he adds.

While acknowledging the restrictive no-choice viewpoint can be found in the world religions, Maguire highlights alternative positions that reflect the rich sensitivity of these faiths. The author and the Religious Consultation on Population, Reproductive Health, and Ethics, assembled scholars from around the world to debate and uncover documented support for a pro-choice position in each of the major religions. As a result, the abortion controversy can now be looked at from a fresh all-inclusive vantage point, one that places factual and historical perspective to the ongoing debate of population control, women's rights and family planning.

Maquire offers a different voice on the much-heated subject, claiming unequivocally that there is legitimate support for a religious-based pro-choice viewpoint. He also puts back the spotlight on the major issue facing us -- the sustainability of the planet. Overpopulation and abject poverty conspire to assault our precious resources, namely, our rainforests, topsoil and water. Without a responsible worldwide enactment of sound family planning practices, of which should be based on correct and balanced information when it comes to religious views on the issues, Maguire believes an overcrowded future could endanger the planet.

"Our goal," states Maquire, "as scholars is to change international discourse on the subject of abortion. The two sides in the abortion debate need not be so bitterly divided. These are things we could all agree on. We could all agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, since that is the key problem…It is our hope that we could endorse the moral freedom of women who must sometimes make this serious decision in an imperfect world." He adds: "It is well known that there are no choice teachings on contraception and abortion in all the religions, but there are also pro-choice positions in these same religions that give people their moral freedom to make choices in these matters. These liberating views have been hidden away -- this book seeks to reveal them."

The book's release is part of an initiative that includes a one-hour documentary to be broadcast to educational markets, a series of symposiums in Egypt and Chile next year, and the development of a Web site, www.sacredchoices.org.

Maguire, who is also the President of the Religious consultation on Population, Reproductive Health and Ethics, and the author of numerous books, including The Moral Core of Judaism and Christianity, is available for interviews.