Abortion is one of the most common of all medical procedures. But it is still stigmatized, and all too often people do not feel they can talk about their experiences. Making abortion illegal or hard to access doesn’t make it any less common; it just makes it dangerous. Around the world, tens of thousands of women die from unsafe abortions every year. People who support abortion rights have been fighting hard to create a world in which the right to access safe and legal abortion services is guaranteed. The opposition to this has been intense and sometimes violent, and victories have been hard won.
The long fight for abortion rights is being picked up by a new generation of courageous, creative and passionate activists. This book is about the history, and the future, of that fight.
You can buy it at your local bookstore, or order it on Indie Bound, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, or from Orca Books.
Reviews
Starred review: “The book is visually appealing, with bold design that includes photos, cartoons, sidebar quotes, and maps in eye-popping full color….Well-researched and visually appealing, this is a boon for those seeking clear, comprehensive information from the perspective of the reproductive rights movement.” –Kirkus, Jan. 2019
Starred review: “Exceptional… With impeccable research, statistics, a resource list, and thorough source notes, this illuminating resource should be required reading for teens of every gender.” –Booklist, March 2019
“Readers will appreciate and find value in the colorful photographs and illustrations, quotes, and comics provided and will finish the guide feeling empowered. Youth will be armed with concrete tips and advice on how they can help fight against abortion stigma and support their right and others’ right to make this important decision for themselves… This comprehensive, empowering, and accessible resource will be of great use to teens interested in learning more about reproductive rights either for school or for personal knowledge.” -School Library Journal, April 2019
“…arrestingly visual… and dynamic in tone… The book is thoroughly researched and thought provoking, offering in-depth information balanced with first-person accounts, including stories of women who have had abortions themselves. At a time when reproductive rights are being challenged in many areas of the world, Stevenson concludes with a call to action: “Hard battles have been fought, and it is up to all of us to protect the ground that has been gained. When basic rights are threatened, it is vital that people speak up and resist.” –Quill and Quire, March 2019
“This powerful and inclusive eye-opening book reaches out to readers of all ages and identities…My Body My Choice is powerful, conversational, and startlingly truthful…an excellent resource to have in high school and home libraries as well as classrooms.” -Canadian Children’s Book News, spring 2019
“A magnificent and thoughtful examination of the fight for abortion rights in Canada, the United States, and around the world. Through often untold histories, My Body My Choice details tactics activists employed to fight for abortion rights, explains how race and class are barriers to access—historically and today—and the impact youth activists are making today. My Body My Choice also explains the basics of reproductive health in an affirming, non-stigmatizing, and digestible way for young readers. My Body My Choice is the book I wish I had as a teen, before, during, and after my abortion. I know I would have felt less alone and more empowered with it in hand.” —Renee Bracey Sherman, writer, abortion storyteller, and reproductive justice activist
5/5 stars. “Discussions about sexual health and about abortion have long been either silenced or moved to the sidelines in order to avoid embarrassment or controversy. Fortunately, authors like Robin Stevenson have chosen to come forward and present facts to young adults about their rights. My Body My Choice contains strong arguments and is guaranteed to prompt much-needed conversations and discussions… Highly recommended.” –Canadian Materials, April 2019