Abortion In John Irving's The Cider House Rules

Having begun to read and analyze the creative works of John Irving’s, The Cider House Rules; I have decided to pursue the topic surrounding abortion and the woman’s right to choose. Although this novel is set within the Victorian era, I still believe the reality surrounding this social issue remains relevant today, because U.S states continue to restrict abortion despite the U.S constitution legalizing it in 1973. Although this being the main reason I chose this topic, I was also drawn to the idea that the main character Homer Wells is an orphan but also the prodigy of Dr. Wilber Larch, an obstetrician, who performs abortions. This personal detail has an immense correlation toward Homer’s views on abortion, as he is very against. In this novel, John Irving’s intent is “not to criticize the social system or moralize” but he deems the argument between Homer and Dr. Larch polemical. Given the above, it is clear John Irving uses the relationship between Homer and Dr. Larch’s character to create thought provoking discussion on the controversial topic of abortion. Along with, whether it is Homer’s right to deny performing this procedure at the request of pregnant women.

Larch. To prove this tentative thesis, I will explore the circumstances brought up with in John Irving’s novel, such as women’s freedom of choice, breaking the rules, and morality. In doing this, I hope to show that; Homer Wells opinion toward abortions is altered throughout the course of this novel even though it goes against what he originality believed to be