ABORTION

The history of abortion in post-Roe America.

Valenti, a prominent feminist author and creator of the newsletter Abortion, Every Day, begins her trenchant analysis of one of America’s most controversial political topics by voicing her visceral anger and resentment for having to write a book to defend women’s right to choose: “Women should not have to convince the world that we are full people worthy of rights, protections, and the ability to control our own bodies." Drawing from research and analysis published in the newsletter, she also tracks abortion news and tells individuals’ stories to shine further light on the subject. For example, Marilyn Lands won a seat in the Alabama House after running a pro-choice ad of a woman having to travel 10 hours out of state to obtain a safe abortion. Lands noted that when she had been in a similar situation years earlier, she was able to get the assistance she needed close to home. Emphasizing the point that many women and girls no longer have access to safe abortions, Lands' story is just one of many Valenti uses to illustrate how far America’s political landscape has devolved since the Dobbs decision, putting women in distress throughout the nation. Additionally, she cuts through widely spread misinformation about birth control, such as that in videos claiming that the Pill changes women's “natural” body rhythms. Ending with a section of resources and tips for how to talk about abortion with different groups of people, she sets up women to successfully and succinctly argue for their rights and freedoms.

A call to action for both inexperienced and seasoned pro-choice activists.