Noting that the term "family values" has achieved prominence in the rhetoric of political debate, this book compiles essays by philosophers, political scientists, and legal scholars exploring specific issues within the legal, ethical, and political dimensions of familial relationships. Collectively, the essays point out that many contemporary issues pertaining to the having and raising of children pose genuinely hard choices for public policy makers, for those who make and enforce the laws, and for citizens who would like to engage in informed and critical democratic debate on these issues. Following an introduction, the essays are: (1) "Mothers, Citizenship, and Independence: A Critique of Pure Family Values" (Iris Marion Young); (2) "Fathers' Rights, Mothers' Wrongs?: Reflections on Unwed Fathers' Rights and Sex Equality" (Mary L. Shanley); (3) "Family Ties: Rethinking Parental Claims in the Light of Surrogacy and Custody" (Uma Narayan); (4) "A Parent(ly) Knot: Can Heather Have Two Mommies?" (Shelly A. M. Gavigan); (5) "Family Relationships and Reproductive Technology" (Brenda Almond); (6) "Privacy and Equal Protection as Bases for Abortion Law: Citizenship, Gender, and the Constitution" (Anita Allen); (7) "Circumscribed Autonomy: Children, Care, and Custody" (Hugh LaFollette); (8) "Boundaries of Authority: Should Children Be Able To Divorce Their Parents?" (Laura M. Purdy); (9) "Regulating Sexuality: Gender Identity Disorder, Children's Rights, and the State" (Ellen K. Feder); (10) "Protecting Faith Versus Protecting Futures: Religious Freedom and Parental Rights in Medical Decision Making for Children" (Lynn Pasquerella); and (11) "Fear of God: Religious Education of Children and the Social Good" (Julia J. Bartkowiak). Each chapter is footnoted with references. (HTH)