This work investigates the complex ethical tensions within feminist theory regarding the moral status of prostitution, adultery, and abortion. Laurie J. Shrage, a philosopher specializing in social and political philosophy, utilizes a framework of analytic philosophy to deconstruct how these practices are perceived through various cultural and feminist lenses. She argues that traditional moral frameworks often fail to account for the diverse social realities of women, proposing instead a more nuanced approach that prioritizes individual agency and social context over rigid moral categorization.

Scholars in the field of gender studies and ethics frequently cite this text for its rigorous application of analytic philosophy to contentious social issues. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for an audience familiar with philosophical discourse and feminist theory.