US abortion curbs unlikely to alter liberal global trend

+ why love feels magical US Edition - Today's top story: US abortion restrictions are unlikely to influence international trends, which are largely becoming more liberal [View in browser]( US Edition | 12 July 2022 [The Conversation]( An estimated 40 million women in the U.S. will not be able to get an abortion in the state where they live following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling. But as many U.S. states push to restrict access to abortion, most countries – rich and poor alike – have actually been making it easier to get the procedure. Martha Davis, a legal scholar who studies worldwide abortion trends, explains what’s behind the wave of laws that have liberalized access in 30 countries since 2000. And unlike past Supreme Court rulings, Dobbs [is unlikely to have much global influence](, she adds. “In fact, the Dobbs decision may serve to further isolate the U.S. and undermine its credibility as a global leader on women’s rights,” Davis writes. Also today: - [Why some risk their lives for others – and some don’t]( - [A “person” means different things in different cultures]( - [What are the “Limits to Growth” in today’s global economy?]( Amy Lieberman Politics + Society Editor In most countries, like the Netherlands, it has become easier to get a legal, safe abortion over the last two decades. Evert Elzinga/ANP/AFP via Getty Images [US abortion restrictions are unlikely to influence international trends, which are largely becoming more liberal]( Martha Davis, Northeastern University Only 24 countries today totally ban abortion. The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in the US is unlikely to lead other countries to join that list. Environment + Energy - [What the controversial 1972 ‘Limits to Growth’ report got right: Our choices today shape future conditions for life on Earth]( Matthew E. Kahn, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences A 1972 report warned that unchecked consumption could crater the world economy by 2100. Fifty years and much debate later, can humanity innovate quickly enough to avoid that fate? - [Light pollution is disrupting the seasonal rhythms of plants and trees, lengthening pollen season in US cities]( Yuyu Zhou, Iowa State University Artificial light is upending trees’ ability to use the natural day-night cycle as a signal of seasonal change. Arts + Culture - [What makes people willing to risk their lives to save others?]( Frank T. McAndrew, Knox College Study after study has shown that men tend to be more willing to put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Why some men rise to the occasion – and others don’t – has been a bit trickier to pin down. Science + Technology - [Why does love feel magical? It’s an evolutionary advantage]( Benjamin Kaveladze, University of California, Irvine; Jonathan Schooler, University of California Santa Barbara; Oliver Sng, University of California, Irvine It’s not logical to believe your relationship is “meant to be.” But believing in destined love may have evolved as a way to keep couples together long enough to reproduce and raise children. Ethics + Religion - [What does it mean to be a ‘person’? Different cultures have different answers]( Robert Launay, Northwestern University The fundamental issue at stake in abortion debates is personhood, which is viewed differently around the world, an anthropologist writes. Politics + Society - [Biden once wanted to make Saudi Arabia a ‘pariah’ – so why is he playing nice with the kingdom’s repressive rulers now?]( Jeffrey Fields, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Joe Biden is set to make his first visit as president to the Middle East, during which he will meet the Saudi crown prince the US accuses of ordering the murder of a journalist. Education - [Improving science literacy means changing science education]( Zahilyn D. Roche Allred, Florida International University College science classes often fall short of helping students see connections across subjects. Can a new approach make a difference? From our international editions - [Tennis star Ons Jabeur is Tunisia’s ‘minister of happiness’]( - [Shinzo Abe’s killing: the history of political violence in Japan]( - [Tory leadership election: what happens – and when – in the race to replace Boris Johnson]( Today's graphic [A chart that shows the job growth from 2008 to 2022.]( From the story, [June jobs report suggests Fed could avoid a recession – but room for error is minuscule]( - - About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. [Donate now to support research-based journalism]( [The Conversation]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]( 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451 [Forward to a friend]( • [Unsubscribe](