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No Choice: The Destruction of Roe v. Wade and the Fight to Protect a Fundamental American Right
An in-depth look at the legacy of Roe v. Wade, and on-the-ground reporting from the front lines of the battle to protect the right to choose
The pieces started to fall in 2019 when a wave of anti-abortion laws went into effect. Georgia, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, while Missouri banned the procedure at eight weeks. Alabama banned all abortions. The die was cast. And on June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and, abortion immediately became illegal in 22 states.
No Choice begins by shining a light on the eerie ways in which life before Roe will be mirrored in life after. The wealthy and privileged will still have access, low-income people will suffer disproportionately, and pregnancy will be heavily policed. Then, Andrews takes us to the states and communities that have been hardest-hit by the erosion of abortion rights in this country, and tells the stories of those who are most at risk from this devastating reversal of settled law. There is a glimmer of faint hope, though.
As the battle moves to state legislatures around the country, the book profiles the people who are doing groundbreaking, inspiring work to ensure safe, legal access to this fundamental part of health care.
The pieces started to fall in 2019 when a wave of anti-abortion laws went into effect. Georgia, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, while Missouri banned the procedure at eight weeks. Alabama banned all abortions. The die was cast. And on June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and, abortion immediately became illegal in 22 states.
No Choice begins by shining a light on the eerie ways in which life before Roe will be mirrored in life after. The wealthy and privileged will still have access, low-income people will suffer disproportionately, and pregnancy will be heavily policed. Then, Andrews takes us to the states and communities that have been hardest-hit by the erosion of abortion rights in this country, and tells the stories of those who are most at risk from this devastating reversal of settled law. There is a glimmer of faint hope, though.
As the battle moves to state legislatures around the country, the book profiles the people who are doing groundbreaking, inspiring work to ensure safe, legal access to this fundamental part of health care.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
26 people are currently reading
2799 people want to read
About the author
Becca Andrews
3 books10 followersBecca Andrews is an investigative journalist who writes about reproductive justice, religion, and inequality. Her work has appeared in Mother Jones, Wired, the New Republic, and Jezebel, among other publications. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. She grew up in rural West Tennessee and now lives in Nashville.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 16, 2022
I feel like this book is not only incredibly well-written and researched, but its contents are more important now than ever. I loved the way the author separated the book into three parts, and broke down the chronology into something easily digestible to a casual reader. I consider the issue of abortion rights to be one particularly close to my heart, and I can tell it is the same for the author as well., who treated the subject with the delicacy and care it requires. The history of abortion and pro-choice activism described in the book are extremely enlightening and educational, and are incredibly well-woven between real stories of real people who've had to face this difficult decision. In summary, this book is necessary in these trying times, and extremely cathartic.
December 15, 2023
I think this is an incredibly well researched and and equally well written book. It is very easy to follow, even for readers that are not american citizens and therefore not adequately aware of the american reality; for which the more I read about the more I wonder how americans claim to be this "great democracy". The way I understand it, it's the land of the free, if you are a white, christian man.
I am really impressed with the work done for this book, I take my hat off to all the pro choice activists and abortion and reproductive healthcare providers for all the immensely hard work they do and I am extremely frustrated that that in 2023, a fetus is more important than the life and wellbeing of a pregnant person.
I am disgusted by the anti-abortion movement and all they do to terrorise people that need health care and people that provide that care. At the end of the day, if you are against abortion, then don't have one, but keep your hands off my uterus.
Last but not least, I am glad the author didn't choose to hide the dirty past (and present) of white feminism under the rug.
I am really impressed with the work done for this book, I take my hat off to all the pro choice activists and abortion and reproductive healthcare providers for all the immensely hard work they do and I am extremely frustrated that that in 2023, a fetus is more important than the life and wellbeing of a pregnant person.
I am disgusted by the anti-abortion movement and all they do to terrorise people that need health care and people that provide that care. At the end of the day, if you are against abortion, then don't have one, but keep your hands off my uterus.
Last but not least, I am glad the author didn't choose to hide the dirty past (and present) of white feminism under the rug.
September 5, 2022
First, thank you so much to Becca Andrews and her publishers for this Advanced Readers Copy!
This book covers the topic of Abortion and the bodily autonomy of those who can get pregnant. This book is incredibly well researched and presented in a way that that makes a topic that is often incredibly difficult to grasp much easier to digest. While there are a few edits that still need to be made I found this book to be informative and an important read.
This book covers the topic of Abortion and the bodily autonomy of those who can get pregnant. This book is incredibly well researched and presented in a way that that makes a topic that is often incredibly difficult to grasp much easier to digest. While there are a few edits that still need to be made I found this book to be informative and an important read.
April 20, 2024
In "No Choice", Becca Andrews' book delves into the intricate landscape of abortion rights through conversations with various stakeholders, including doctors, women, lawyers, activists, and protestors. While the subject matter is undeniably fascinating, the book's execution leaves something to be desired.
The book starts off strongly, providing a succinct history of abortion in the Western world. However, it soon becomes apparent that the narrative becomes somewhat cumbersome as Andrews introduces a multitude of characters in each chapter without allowing for sufficient development or connection. Rather than focusing on a select few characters, the constant introduction of new individuals makes the book feel disjointed and messy, detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative.
Despite this, Andrews manages to convey a powerful message throughout the book - that abortion rights are human rights. However, this message could have been reinforced with better writing and more thorough research. The discussion of abortion laws, for example, lacks depth, and the writing, while fast-paced, lacks the impactful prose expected from journalistic work.
While Andrews' passion for the subject is evident, her writing style may not resonate with all readers. However, her dedication to covering an important issue and her recognition of the intersectionality of identities in the abortion discourse is commendable.
Overall, the book serves as an insightful exploration of public opinion on abortion rights. However, for a deeper dive into the legal aspects, readers may find Julie F. Kay and Kathryn Kolbert's "Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom" to be a more suitable choice.
The book starts off strongly, providing a succinct history of abortion in the Western world. However, it soon becomes apparent that the narrative becomes somewhat cumbersome as Andrews introduces a multitude of characters in each chapter without allowing for sufficient development or connection. Rather than focusing on a select few characters, the constant introduction of new individuals makes the book feel disjointed and messy, detracting from the overall coherence of the narrative.
Despite this, Andrews manages to convey a powerful message throughout the book - that abortion rights are human rights. However, this message could have been reinforced with better writing and more thorough research. The discussion of abortion laws, for example, lacks depth, and the writing, while fast-paced, lacks the impactful prose expected from journalistic work.
While Andrews' passion for the subject is evident, her writing style may not resonate with all readers. However, her dedication to covering an important issue and her recognition of the intersectionality of identities in the abortion discourse is commendable.
Overall, the book serves as an insightful exploration of public opinion on abortion rights. However, for a deeper dive into the legal aspects, readers may find Julie F. Kay and Kathryn Kolbert's "Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom" to be a more suitable choice.
December 12, 2023
Amazing book. I thought she discussed healthcare in regards to women of color as well as non binary people and transgender women in depth and was very educated and aware of the disparities in healthcare, which I don’t see a lot of books doing, especially ones written by white women. She also discussed reproductive healthcare in Mississippi a lot, which I was not aware she would do coming into reading this so that was a nice surprise! I thought it was just a tad repetitive but overall I think everyone, especially Mississippi residents, should read this.
November 10, 2022
Very well written and researched - each story is so human and real. The book is extremely effective at demonstrating the importance of the right to choose and equality of access to reproductive healthcare.
September 25, 2022
"No Choice" is a really important read by Becca Andrews about life in Post-Roe America, particularly for people who cannot afford or access abortions. Andrews begins the book with her confession that she was raised in a pro-life circle, but her life's path led her to understand that the social, economic, and political forces that exist in America often necessitate that people receive abortions close to home and when they need them. Unfortunately, the way that pregnant people are treated in this country under the conditions that have been created by the pro-life force often means that the fetus and pregnant person are put into greater danger by limited access to abortions. Often times, it is more than the right to choose; it is a right to save a life by getting access to the medical treatments that they need. Andrews points out the consequences of not being able to pursue an abortion for the pregnant person, and sometimes the life or death choices that people seeking to provide abortion care face each day going to work. Andrews' work is based on in-person experience with providers and pregnant people, and given access to their provide lives illustrates the true consequences of having "No Choice." Highly recommend!
November 3, 2022
This is the most important book you’ll read all year. Author Becca Andrews presents everything the reader should know about abortion access in the United States, written beautifully with stories woven in from abortion advocates and women who have had abortions.
This book is a masterpiece.
This book is a masterpiece.
February 27, 2024
Very, very important read and extremely educational and interesting to learn more about the history and individual stories.
June 28, 2023
This book does an amazing job of capturing the various historical landscapes of abortion and reproductive care throughout the United States. I really loved learning in the early chapters about the history of abortion advocacy groups. The book also does a good job of showing rounded-out experiences with abortion, as Andrews shows the realities of clinics being worn down from increasing patient numbers. I appreciated how the book covers an expansive the timeline, which gives insights into abortion practices in early, Greek times up into when Roe v. Wade was overturned. I especially liked learning more about the Roe v. Wade trial and Norma McCorvey too. Andrews covers many events and topics within this book that shows the historically and likely future groups most impacted by abortion restrictions and also the realities of the clinics (with extreme protestors and barriers in place). Highly recommend.
February 25, 2023
This should be required reading. As a former antiabortion Christian who grew into a pro-choice atheist, this book resonated with me in so many ways. I cried, I laughed, I cried again. The chapter on Wichita was especially difficult - I've driven past that clinic without ever knowing it was there, and have known so many people like the staunchly religious antiabortion protestors.
I deeply appreciated the focus on reproductive justice rather than only abortion rights, and the way that white women have traditionally hijacked the movement for their own power. Racial inequality still exists within feminism, as within the world at large, and needs to be addressed.
This was a well-written, powerful read that I would recommend to anyone.
I deeply appreciated the focus on reproductive justice rather than only abortion rights, and the way that white women have traditionally hijacked the movement for their own power. Racial inequality still exists within feminism, as within the world at large, and needs to be addressed.
This was a well-written, powerful read that I would recommend to anyone.
February 10, 2025
incredibly important book especially with the current state of america. the book goes over the history of abortion going all the way back to socrates and shows how we got to post-roe america today. i loved how many stories were told about people who either had abortions or were involved with the fight for reproductive rights. i cried a few times reading some of them. honestly my biggest takeaway is to not lose hope. even with the overturning of roe v. wade there are so many people fighting for reproductive rights and they won't stop anytime soon. we've done this before so we can do it again. and this time we can create laws protecting reproductive rights that can help the majority of those who need assistance and not just those who are privileged. overall i would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn the history of reproductive rights in america
September 1, 2024
i would recommend this book to anyone looking for a well researched, enjoyable to read pop nonfiction primer on abortion access. this book has interviews and profiles across the field that humanize abortion patients, providers and advocates and shine a much needed spotlight on inequities in care. you can really tell how much the author cares about this topic in her careful selection of subjects, though there is none of the very annoying self-centering that i have found in other books by journalists.
October 2, 2022
I really enjoyed how Becca Andrews separated No Choice into three easily digestible sections. I also liked how Andrews balanced history and stories from people in relation to they’re experience with abortion that complemented each other without bogging it down. I very much recommend No Choice as a starter point for any casual reader who’s interested in an entry point on the topic. Thank you to Netgalley and PublicAffairs for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review,
December 1, 2022
The personal stories were the highlights. Although it’s petty , couldn’t get past DNC.
April 5, 2024
Read this right now
December 16, 2022
No Choice: The Destruction of Roe v. Wade and the Fight to Protect a Fundamental American Right
By Becca Andrews
What a powerful read. It took me a minute to pick up this book. The wound of the overturning of Roe V. Wade still feels fresh. The reminders in the news of how little our autonomy means to a significant part of the American population is haunting.
Andrews covers the topic with deep understanding and compassion. She does not choose to vilify anti-abortionists, instead she presents the truth with more nuance than I might be able to muster.
I was familiar with much of the content in this book, the way one is familiar with meaningful news that feels personal even though I’ve never sought out an abortion and even though I’ve lived in states where it was legal. I am a woman and a person who can become pregnant. The laws are personal, to each and every one of us. I have had two miscarriages. And I’m grateful I had access to healthcare that presented me with options. Health care that treated me with respect. Health care that never assumed criminality on the part of my body.
This book is a call to action. And a conversation about the harm that white feminism has wrought on reproductive rights in this country. (To be clear white feminism doesn’t mean every white feminist, it’s the system) Abortion and reproductive justice is larger than me or my generation, much, much larger than my race or my privilege. It is a fundamental right as are the issues baked into reproductive justice. Denying people their most basic right, bodily autonomy, has repercussions for everyone and most profoundly for low-income people and BIPOC bodies.
I contribute to abortion funds and will continue to do so. Abortion is a right. And the denial of it affects the quality of the lives of every person in this country.
Some quotes that have stuck with me.
*
"The fight for abortion rights has had a white feminism problem for as along as it's been around in the United States. White women have largely been comfortable with the idea of abortion as a stand alone issue: "reproductive rights" largely meant "abortion rights" only and has been presented as a binary choice. It has never been so simple for people of color, which is why, in 1994, the reproductive justice movement was formed, which articulated abortion rights as only one aspect of reproductive autonomy. The foremothers of the movement, "recognized that the women's rights movement, led by and representing middle class and wealthy white women, could not defend the needs of women of color and other marginalized women and trans people," explains SisterSong, the nonprofit that formed out of the reproductive justice framework. "We needed to lead our own national movement to uplift the needs of the most marginalized women, families, and communities." So reproductive justice spans the breadth of reproductive decision-making - to give birth or not and to raise any children in an environment that is safe, healthy, and conducive to a good quality of life. The movement also examined and laid out why restrictions on abortion, which are most ofen rooted in racism and classism, are harmful to the health and well-being of all people.
- No Choice by Becca Andrews
"Roe was before, and we can build something better, something that is more intersectional," says Imani Gandy, senior editor of Law and Policy for Review News Group and a true experect on all things abortion. "And I think because reproductive rights as a framework is sort of ceding ground to reproductive justice, we are in a better position as a movement to build something that works for everyone. And it might take twenty-five, thirty years, but at least hopefully at the end of those thirty years, we won't be in a situation where only people who can afford it can get abortions."
White feminism is "an ideology, and a very specific approach to acheiving gender equality that inherits it's strategy from white supremacy. This idea that you are hurtling towards the accumulation of power, which white feminism has always been on board with - more women in this position, more women in this deparment, more women in Congress - but there's not real reinterepreation of that power or consideration of how to redistribute it." Koa Beck
By Becca Andrews
What a powerful read. It took me a minute to pick up this book. The wound of the overturning of Roe V. Wade still feels fresh. The reminders in the news of how little our autonomy means to a significant part of the American population is haunting.
Andrews covers the topic with deep understanding and compassion. She does not choose to vilify anti-abortionists, instead she presents the truth with more nuance than I might be able to muster.
I was familiar with much of the content in this book, the way one is familiar with meaningful news that feels personal even though I’ve never sought out an abortion and even though I’ve lived in states where it was legal. I am a woman and a person who can become pregnant. The laws are personal, to each and every one of us. I have had two miscarriages. And I’m grateful I had access to healthcare that presented me with options. Health care that treated me with respect. Health care that never assumed criminality on the part of my body.
This book is a call to action. And a conversation about the harm that white feminism has wrought on reproductive rights in this country. (To be clear white feminism doesn’t mean every white feminist, it’s the system) Abortion and reproductive justice is larger than me or my generation, much, much larger than my race or my privilege. It is a fundamental right as are the issues baked into reproductive justice. Denying people their most basic right, bodily autonomy, has repercussions for everyone and most profoundly for low-income people and BIPOC bodies.
I contribute to abortion funds and will continue to do so. Abortion is a right. And the denial of it affects the quality of the lives of every person in this country.
Some quotes that have stuck with me.
*
"The fight for abortion rights has had a white feminism problem for as along as it's been around in the United States. White women have largely been comfortable with the idea of abortion as a stand alone issue: "reproductive rights" largely meant "abortion rights" only and has been presented as a binary choice. It has never been so simple for people of color, which is why, in 1994, the reproductive justice movement was formed, which articulated abortion rights as only one aspect of reproductive autonomy. The foremothers of the movement, "recognized that the women's rights movement, led by and representing middle class and wealthy white women, could not defend the needs of women of color and other marginalized women and trans people," explains SisterSong, the nonprofit that formed out of the reproductive justice framework. "We needed to lead our own national movement to uplift the needs of the most marginalized women, families, and communities." So reproductive justice spans the breadth of reproductive decision-making - to give birth or not and to raise any children in an environment that is safe, healthy, and conducive to a good quality of life. The movement also examined and laid out why restrictions on abortion, which are most ofen rooted in racism and classism, are harmful to the health and well-being of all people.
- No Choice by Becca Andrews
"Roe was before, and we can build something better, something that is more intersectional," says Imani Gandy, senior editor of Law and Policy for Review News Group and a true experect on all things abortion. "And I think because reproductive rights as a framework is sort of ceding ground to reproductive justice, we are in a better position as a movement to build something that works for everyone. And it might take twenty-five, thirty years, but at least hopefully at the end of those thirty years, we won't be in a situation where only people who can afford it can get abortions."
White feminism is "an ideology, and a very specific approach to acheiving gender equality that inherits it's strategy from white supremacy. This idea that you are hurtling towards the accumulation of power, which white feminism has always been on board with - more women in this position, more women in this deparment, more women in Congress - but there's not real reinterepreation of that power or consideration of how to redistribute it." Koa Beck
December 29, 2022
This was a blind pick I found at the library. I’ve always been interested in abortion rights in the US but my knowledge has always been pretty thin. So, this was a great book to give a good overview of things.
Very topical book given the state of reproductive rights in the United States at the moment. This book was literally being written while the overturning of Roe came about, and the passion in the writing is evident. The author is very much a pro-choice advocate and a feminist. She is passionate in her point of view and gives us very compelling stories and arguments from experts in the field and people affected by abortion access challenges in the US.
This book really thrives in it’s telling of first hand accounts of abortion care in the US. She gave stories from people from the 70s all the way to modern times. The ones I found most compelling were the stories of the women who were providing under-the-table abortion care pre-Roe, (“Call Jane” groups), the accounts of women in strict-abortion-law states and the hoops they had to hop through to get treated, accounts of abortion clinic employees, and abortion clinic escorts. All of these stories were eye opening and gave great personal details that made me feel more knowledgeable about what actually goes on behind the scenes to make abortions happen.
I also found the chapter on the Roe case itself to be very fascinating. I had no idea that the woman behind the Roe case had such an….. interesting… life story. Not totally glamorous, flattering, or ethical, but interesting nonetheless.
The last chapter felt like an in-the-moment reflection on what is happening in the year 2022, and that was a refreshing and zeitgeistly way to end the book. I thought this book overall was pretty solid. I’m giving it 4 stars because I think it’s important information, and overall I liked how all the aspects of reproductive rights were weaved together to give a good history of things. My only very minor complaint with this book is that the way it’s written and formatted made it a bit dull at points. Lots of extended paragraphs without spacing between them just made it feel dragging at parts. I wish paragraphs had been written up a bit more concisely. But that’s more personal preference. Overall this book was solid. Glad I stumbled upon it.
Very topical book given the state of reproductive rights in the United States at the moment. This book was literally being written while the overturning of Roe came about, and the passion in the writing is evident. The author is very much a pro-choice advocate and a feminist. She is passionate in her point of view and gives us very compelling stories and arguments from experts in the field and people affected by abortion access challenges in the US.
This book really thrives in it’s telling of first hand accounts of abortion care in the US. She gave stories from people from the 70s all the way to modern times. The ones I found most compelling were the stories of the women who were providing under-the-table abortion care pre-Roe, (“Call Jane” groups), the accounts of women in strict-abortion-law states and the hoops they had to hop through to get treated, accounts of abortion clinic employees, and abortion clinic escorts. All of these stories were eye opening and gave great personal details that made me feel more knowledgeable about what actually goes on behind the scenes to make abortions happen.
I also found the chapter on the Roe case itself to be very fascinating. I had no idea that the woman behind the Roe case had such an….. interesting… life story. Not totally glamorous, flattering, or ethical, but interesting nonetheless.
The last chapter felt like an in-the-moment reflection on what is happening in the year 2022, and that was a refreshing and zeitgeistly way to end the book. I thought this book overall was pretty solid. I’m giving it 4 stars because I think it’s important information, and overall I liked how all the aspects of reproductive rights were weaved together to give a good history of things. My only very minor complaint with this book is that the way it’s written and formatted made it a bit dull at points. Lots of extended paragraphs without spacing between them just made it feel dragging at parts. I wish paragraphs had been written up a bit more concisely. But that’s more personal preference. Overall this book was solid. Glad I stumbled upon it.
December 15, 2022
This book is generally good and worth a read, but it really fails on the race front.
"Latinas views on reproductive rights are often more radical than Anglo women's views and not 'conservative', as some people say, because their definition of choice requires more profound social change than just abortion rights or preventing pregnancy. Assumptions to the contrary are rooted in a 'racist arrogance'...a white feminist paternalism that uses general knowledge of Catholicism as a 'guise of understanding' our culture while shoving off any real responsibility to engage with Latinx rights." Is it? Or is it based on things like Pew research? 👀
"Not only are the patients in a vulnerable position to begin with, but most of them are also people of color, while clinic escorts and their counterparts, clinic defenders, are overwhelmingly white... While I do think the majority of escorts and defenders are volunteering for the right reasons, there are some who come across as performers, who are more concerned with posting their clashes with those on the opposite end of the political spectrum than with supporting people who are entering a space that has been stigmatized and villainized in American culture. Performative allyship has long been a thread that has run through white feminism especially in reproductive rights and it must be rooted out." That's a one-sided racialized critique if I ever saw one.
"...[she] explains white feminism as: an ideology and a very specific approach to achieving gender equality that inherits its strategy from white supremacy. This idea that you are hurdling toward the accumulation of power - which white feminism has always been on board with - more women in this position, more women in this department, more women in congress, but there's no real reinterpretation of that power or consideration of how to redistribute it." That's liberal feminism, not white feminism, and, uh, unrelated to white supremacy...
"Latinas views on reproductive rights are often more radical than Anglo women's views and not 'conservative', as some people say, because their definition of choice requires more profound social change than just abortion rights or preventing pregnancy. Assumptions to the contrary are rooted in a 'racist arrogance'...a white feminist paternalism that uses general knowledge of Catholicism as a 'guise of understanding' our culture while shoving off any real responsibility to engage with Latinx rights." Is it? Or is it based on things like Pew research? 👀
"Not only are the patients in a vulnerable position to begin with, but most of them are also people of color, while clinic escorts and their counterparts, clinic defenders, are overwhelmingly white... While I do think the majority of escorts and defenders are volunteering for the right reasons, there are some who come across as performers, who are more concerned with posting their clashes with those on the opposite end of the political spectrum than with supporting people who are entering a space that has been stigmatized and villainized in American culture. Performative allyship has long been a thread that has run through white feminism especially in reproductive rights and it must be rooted out." That's a one-sided racialized critique if I ever saw one.
"...[she] explains white feminism as: an ideology and a very specific approach to achieving gender equality that inherits its strategy from white supremacy. This idea that you are hurdling toward the accumulation of power - which white feminism has always been on board with - more women in this position, more women in this department, more women in congress, but there's no real reinterpretation of that power or consideration of how to redistribute it." That's liberal feminism, not white feminism, and, uh, unrelated to white supremacy...
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars
No Choice by Becca Andrews goes through the history of abortion rights in the USA specifically. Pre-Roe, during Roe and Post-Roe are the best ways to explain the segments the book splits itself into.
This is not a book to convince people to be pro-choice - rather, it assumes at its base that the reader is staunchly in that camp already and shares stories of women who have struggled to get abortions during its' outlaw era, the stories of abortion providers who have struggled to provide care during the time it was broadly allowed and provided brief mentions to the anti-abortion (or pro-life) protestors outside of abortion clinics and the damage they have caused to the people trying to seek abortion.
Hearing about people's journeys and struggles was an immense challenge but really helped place a lot of the US pro and anti abortion movements. This focus I think made the book incredibly rich in detail and compassion while simultaneously skipping past the common arguments against abortion - that was not what the remit of this book was supposed to accomplish as I understand it.
A small point - a lot of things were said in passing, for example 'X risk has been debunked', 'Y thing has been proven to not be a problem' without really telling us where that information comes from. There is a bibliography in the back but (and I'm not sure if it was simply the formatting of my download) I didn't know what references were made where, so it was difficult to see if there was evidence behind some throwaway lines which to someone on the pro-life side would be considered serious counterpoints.
Once again, going into this book acknowledging that it is about stories, about people, and about experiences rather than specific politics and trying to debate people on the morality of abortion, it was a great compilation of stories and history and will certainly contribute towards the greater understanding of the US context through the lens of not just people debating one another on matters of morality, but through the everyday lived experience of people.
Trigger Warnings: rape, abuse, overdose, abortion (and medical emergenies as a result)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, which I leave voluntarily
No Choice by Becca Andrews goes through the history of abortion rights in the USA specifically. Pre-Roe, during Roe and Post-Roe are the best ways to explain the segments the book splits itself into.
This is not a book to convince people to be pro-choice - rather, it assumes at its base that the reader is staunchly in that camp already and shares stories of women who have struggled to get abortions during its' outlaw era, the stories of abortion providers who have struggled to provide care during the time it was broadly allowed and provided brief mentions to the anti-abortion (or pro-life) protestors outside of abortion clinics and the damage they have caused to the people trying to seek abortion.
Hearing about people's journeys and struggles was an immense challenge but really helped place a lot of the US pro and anti abortion movements. This focus I think made the book incredibly rich in detail and compassion while simultaneously skipping past the common arguments against abortion - that was not what the remit of this book was supposed to accomplish as I understand it.
A small point - a lot of things were said in passing, for example 'X risk has been debunked', 'Y thing has been proven to not be a problem' without really telling us where that information comes from. There is a bibliography in the back but (and I'm not sure if it was simply the formatting of my download) I didn't know what references were made where, so it was difficult to see if there was evidence behind some throwaway lines which to someone on the pro-life side would be considered serious counterpoints.
Once again, going into this book acknowledging that it is about stories, about people, and about experiences rather than specific politics and trying to debate people on the morality of abortion, it was a great compilation of stories and history and will certainly contribute towards the greater understanding of the US context through the lens of not just people debating one another on matters of morality, but through the everyday lived experience of people.
Trigger Warnings: rape, abuse, overdose, abortion (and medical emergenies as a result)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, which I leave voluntarily
September 12, 2022
No Choice, by Becca Andrews, is one of the best big picture looks at abortion in the United States from our early history to our new battle for the future.
Many of the books I've read have largely been about specific aspects of the abortion issue. Most recently I have read about those people who escorted women into clinics through the violent and abusive "pro-life" crowds and a book about the Shout Your Abortion movement. This book, however, includes a nice historical view, sociological perspectives on some debates, and of course the political battles (under the guise of religion and morality). Yet the power is not just in the telling but in keeping the human beings front and center. This is not an abstract work and it isn't primarily about numbers (though many of them are staggering). It is about the human lives, the women's lives, that are affected by laws and theology largely founded by and in support of men and their perceived rights to rule all that is. By keeping the personal in the story, we never lose sight of the actual human cost of outlawing safe abortions.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more than just the soundbites we hear all the time. I would also recommend this to those who have read widely and been active in fighting for reproductive justice. For those, this serves to remind us of the bigger picture since it is easy to be so focused that we forget some facts that might help us to work with those open to considering the issue.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
Many of the books I've read have largely been about specific aspects of the abortion issue. Most recently I have read about those people who escorted women into clinics through the violent and abusive "pro-life" crowds and a book about the Shout Your Abortion movement. This book, however, includes a nice historical view, sociological perspectives on some debates, and of course the political battles (under the guise of religion and morality). Yet the power is not just in the telling but in keeping the human beings front and center. This is not an abstract work and it isn't primarily about numbers (though many of them are staggering). It is about the human lives, the women's lives, that are affected by laws and theology largely founded by and in support of men and their perceived rights to rule all that is. By keeping the personal in the story, we never lose sight of the actual human cost of outlawing safe abortions.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more than just the soundbites we hear all the time. I would also recommend this to those who have read widely and been active in fighting for reproductive justice. For those, this serves to remind us of the bigger picture since it is easy to be so focused that we forget some facts that might help us to work with those open to considering the issue.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 16, 2022
I started reading this just when the Supreme Court foolishly overturned Roe v. Wade, and from start to finish I was enthralled. Becca Andrews takes the reader through the travails of reproductive care in America. Mixing history and personal stories gives a rounded view of how difficult it was, still is, and will continue to be to get an abortion. It's not just the physical process of getting one that struck me...but also the emotional impact of the process. Having an abortion is not easy to do, and yes I speak from experience. Physically, it takes a toll, as most medical procedures do. But emotionally...this book makes clear that this is the area where one never fully heals.
The chapter that really stood out for me is chapter 10. As a woman of color, Andrews' analysis of the way the medical establishment treats women of color is disturbing. Sadly it's something that sounded all too familiar to me. It angered me but it also saddened me.
This is a must-read for any person who truly wants to understand the importance of a woman's right to decide what is best for herself, without the judgment of others.
The chapter that really stood out for me is chapter 10. As a woman of color, Andrews' analysis of the way the medical establishment treats women of color is disturbing. Sadly it's something that sounded all too familiar to me. It angered me but it also saddened me.
This is a must-read for any person who truly wants to understand the importance of a woman's right to decide what is best for herself, without the judgment of others.
January 9, 2023
I love everything about this book. It is divided into 3 sections, the first one being before Roe. I thought it might cover some stories leading up to Roe, but it actually went all the way back to Ancient Greek philosophers’ ideas on abortion/birth/life. I had never read any of this before, so it was really interesting. This book covered all the way from Ancient Greece to the overturning of Roe. Every story was moving, frustrating, inspiring. I felt sorry for most of the women who shared their stories throughout this book. The way preconceived notions about abortion have harmed them is incredible.
Another thing this book did that many others do not is highlight the fact that white women are privileged compared to women of color, queer people, and disabled women. There were great reflections about how disadvantaged groups are affected by anti-abortion propaganda and laws. There was also a lot of talk about how white women are privileged and how the system works for, not against, them. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT and I’m so glad it was talked about in depth.
This might be my favorite book about abortion that I have read.
Another thing this book did that many others do not is highlight the fact that white women are privileged compared to women of color, queer people, and disabled women. There were great reflections about how disadvantaged groups are affected by anti-abortion propaganda and laws. There was also a lot of talk about how white women are privileged and how the system works for, not against, them. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT and I’m so glad it was talked about in depth.
This might be my favorite book about abortion that I have read.
November 19, 2022
This well-researched and clearly written book provides an uncommonly lucid perspective on what abortion laws have meant in American life. It first takes a historical look at abortion before Roe v. Wade, including the "Jane" collective and the fascinating role of the Clergy Consultation Service--a group of religious leaders from multiple faiths who saw abortion as compassionate care and helped women obtain access. Moving forward, Andrews shows the slow but steady erosion of abortion rights, culminating in the 2022 Dobbs decision. Blending personal stories and contextual research, the book is not only informative but an engaging read.
This book would be of interest not only to general readers who want to better understand this issue but to those studying reproductive rights. Though not a scholarly study per se, it would be a welcome addition to academic libraries and a useful book to assign in Women's and Gender Studies courses.
This book would be of interest not only to general readers who want to better understand this issue but to those studying reproductive rights. Though not a scholarly study per se, it would be a welcome addition to academic libraries and a useful book to assign in Women's and Gender Studies courses.
January 24, 2023
This book is a must-read, as it goes through the history of what abortion has been before, during, and after Roe v. Wade in the United States. No Choice details how the laws have changed, as well as what women have had to go through to achieve an abortion.
No Choice is deeply emotional, as it details first-hand accounts of the hurdles women have had to jump through in order to receive healthcare. Due to the intense stigma associated with abortion, some of these stories are being told for the first time.
To anyone who identifies as prolife, I ask that you go into the book with an open mind and truly listen to the words of this book. Hopefully, it will help you to have empathy for these women and that you will realize that abortion is healthcare.
No Choice is deeply emotional, as it details first-hand accounts of the hurdles women have had to jump through in order to receive healthcare. Due to the intense stigma associated with abortion, some of these stories are being told for the first time.
To anyone who identifies as prolife, I ask that you go into the book with an open mind and truly listen to the words of this book. Hopefully, it will help you to have empathy for these women and that you will realize that abortion is healthcare.
November 5, 2024
A solid overview of the various organizations, groups, and prominent individuals who have been fighting to help women get abortion care. The stories here are important and need to be heard. I felt at times things were a little unfocused as far as the structure of the book goes. Some of the stories were a bit of a retread for me, but it did introduce me to some new topics I want to dig deeper into (like the underground group Jane). I would have liked it if the section towards the end about current efforts to protect abortions and how abortion providers have been preparing for the end of Roe to be more developed. But still, overall this was a good read and I think it’s a good introduction to the topic.
March 18, 2023
Trump gifted us with a SCOTUS that has an agenda, and he also managed to undermine our democracy by provoking an insurrection. A narcissistic, misogynistic, racist, xenophobic, ignorant, horrible individual who does not give a crap about anyone but himself, he is the saddest chapter in US history. The book is a great portrait of what women have to go through to get an abortion in the US in 2023! The thing is, abortions will always exist, unfortunately in many states they will not be safe. As someone said, "If men could get pregnant, ABORTION WOULD BE A SACRAMENT". Thank you, Trump, now please go to jail and stfu.
September 8, 2023
5⭐
Incredibly well written, researched, and articulated. It includes personal accounts on both sides(interviews for protestors across the street of abortion care building) though the author does make it clear what shide she stands for. References both the history of modern abortions and goes into the overturning of Row v Wade. Express the realities of women in post roe and express the difference of privilege between different uterus having peoples.
Overall a wonderful book to expand on knowledge about abortion and the peoples whose lives rotate around abortion.
Thank you to my local library once again😘
Incredibly well written, researched, and articulated. It includes personal accounts on both sides(interviews for protestors across the street of abortion care building) though the author does make it clear what shide she stands for. References both the history of modern abortions and goes into the overturning of Row v Wade. Express the realities of women in post roe and express the difference of privilege between different uterus having peoples.
Overall a wonderful book to expand on knowledge about abortion and the peoples whose lives rotate around abortion.
Thank you to my local library once again😘
October 10, 2022
TW; abortion, rape, overdose,
An important piece of literature that everybody should read. Going as far back as Socrates right up until the present day this book describes in detail how Roe vs Wade came about, and the fall out of it being overturned. I didn’t realise how much I didn’t know about abortions, namely that they were still illegal up until the 60’s! Some harrowing stories, jigsawed together into one remarkable book.
Thank you as always to the author and to NetGalley for the advanced copy to read & review.
An important piece of literature that everybody should read. Going as far back as Socrates right up until the present day this book describes in detail how Roe vs Wade came about, and the fall out of it being overturned. I didn’t realise how much I didn’t know about abortions, namely that they were still illegal up until the 60’s! Some harrowing stories, jigsawed together into one remarkable book.
Thank you as always to the author and to NetGalley for the advanced copy to read & review.
October 2, 2023
The storytelling and reporting in No Choice is engrossing. You really get a feel for what people have gone through in the past as well as the problems in the present. I do think the subtitle of this book is a little misleading- it's not so much about the fall of Roe but more about grassroots efforts to maintain women's health and abortion rights throughout history. I was a little disappointed that the book didn't have more about why Roe fell and where we are going from here, but I was glad to learn more about the history and personal stories surrounding this important issue.
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