A political action handbook for health professionals

traception,” provides a thorough and informative discussion of the issues surrounding contraceptive choices. It stresses individual choice and the attendant responsibilities of the woman, her partner(s), and the nurse-advocate. Additional chapters cover infertility, genetic counseling, breast problems, occupational health hazards, health assessment, and reproductive surgery. Although psychosocial aspects of women’s health are presented well, the more practical (and perhaps more important) issue of the expanding role of nurses in women’s health care is woefully neglected. The discussion of nurse-advocacy during pregnancy is well-intended but, curiously, CNMs are excluded from the discussion. The section on birth alternatives again does not mention the role of the CNM as a potential provider of alternative childbirth services. A wonderful opportunity to relate more thoroughly the ever-expanding roles of CNMs and FNPs, for example, has been lost. Accuracy is called into question in Chapter 28, “Pregnancy: Special Concerns.” The assertion that maternal gonorrhea is an absolute indication for cesarean section is, at best, an oversimplification of complex medical decisionmaking and, at worst, false. The analysis of specific interventions in the birth experience (eg, amniotomy, IV therapy, episiotomy) touches on major issues but is generally superficial. In spite of these weaknesses, Contemporary Women’s Health is recommended for nursing students, particularly undergraduates, who may be new to women’s health care. In addition, nursemidwifery students may find the bulk of this book to be of assistance in their wellwoman gynecology module. It also might be valuable for the practicing nurse seeking a holistic approach to her/his female clients. This book will not impart volumes of traditional medical knowledge (nor is that its purpose); the women’s health care provider will need to consult standard medical sources for more complete information. A Political Action Health Professionals.

Handbook

for

By Marilyn Bagwell and Sallee Clements. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1985. XV + 308 pages. $17.95, softcover. Reviewed

MSN,

264

by: E. Jean Martin, CNM, MS,

Associate

Professor,

Nurse-Mid-

wifery Education Program, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. The term handbook generally conjures up a streamlined, no-nonsense guide on how to accomplish certain objectives or work through a particular process. A Political Action Handbook for Health Professionals is faithful to this description. It is a ready reference for the neophyte but also a good resource for the initiated. The authors, both from Arizona State University in Tempe and experienced in teaching and practicing the political action process they describe, state that this text is intended for all health care professionals. It appears that the weight of reference to health care groups is partial to nursing. The book is divided into three major areas. Unit 1 presents an overview of the forces present in the political arena that shape the current legislative system of our country. Unit 2 explores “politics in action, ” including descriptions of negotiating, communicating with legislators, lobbying, and party activity. Unit 3 provides suggestions for increasing political clout. Networks, coalitions, political action committees, and effective media use are addressed. The text reads easily due to subtitling of relevant topics associated with the content. Tables are arranged well and labeled clearly. Each chapter ends with a summay and suggestions for additional reading for those who need to explore a topic in greater depth. While the inclusion of case studies and examples supporting political or legislative strategies might have made the reading more interesting, the trim, efficient development of essential content makes this a truly practical reference. One is guided in writing a press release, corresponding with and interviewing legislators or candidates, and networking with members of the media. The book is well indexed and has appendices that list by address and phone number national and state political resources for all 50 states as well as national and state political and professional organizations. Given the professional imperative to monitor and influence policy development and legislation in behalf of organizational goals and viability, nursemidwives will find this a useful guide. Infertility, Contraception and Reproductive Endocrinology, 2nd Edition. By

Daniel R. Mishell Jr., MD and ‘Val Davajan, MD, Oradell, NJ: Medical Economics Books, 1986. 688 pages. $54.95, hardcover. Reviewed

by: Janice I. French, CNM, MS, Professional Research Assistant and Clinical Nurse-Midwife, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO.

Infertiaty, Contraception and Reproductive Endocrinology consists of chapters written predominantly by professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, many of them recognized authorities in research as well as leaders in education and patient care. This book is designed to provide basic information and practical clinical guidelines for diagnosis and medical management of reproductive problems. Individuals who desire in-depth discussion of the topics presented may need to seek primary sources. The textbook is organized into four sections. The first section reviews normal reproductive endocrinology and serves as a foundation for subsequent discussions of gynecologic endocrine disorders. Complex processes such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, and menstrual, pregnancy, and lactation endocrinology, among other topics, are described clearly and concisely. The second section presents disorders of abnormal reproductive endocrinology, including errors in sexual differentiation, primary and secondary amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Noteworthy in this section is the chapter on Premenstrual Syndrome, which provides an excellent summay of the symptom categories, proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms, and a critique of the literature. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of this troublesome disorder are discussed also. The third section, which reviews infertility, has been expanded in this second edition. Information is presented on the major structural, functional, and physiological causes of infertility. These include cervical, uterine, and tubal factors, endometriosis, male factors, immunology, and infection. Infertility associated with congenital anomalies, menstrual abnormalities, nutrition, total body weight, exer-

Journal of Nurse-Midwifery

?? Vol.

32, No. 4, July/August

1987