The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion (Paperback)

by Angela Bonavoglia (Editor), Gloria Steinem (Foreword) "Witty, wry, and beloved storyteller Grace Paley (author of several short story collections-Enormous Change at the Last Minute, The Little Disturbances of Man, Later That..." (more)
Key Phrases: reproductive health services, illegal abortion, New York, Clergy Consultation, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
This book brings a human dimension to the debate about a woman's right to choose. Bonavoglia's interviews with 25 well-known people (mostly women, including Rite Moreno, Margot Kidder, Whoopi Goldberg, Grace Paley, Ursula LeGuin, Elizabeth Janeway) show that the decision to abort is never taken lightly and that it should be made privately, without government interference. The courage of those interviewed--who sought illegal abortions or helped others obtain them, chose to terminate pregnancies resulting from rape, and faced the possibility of bearing children with birth defects--is evident. They demonstrate a strong belief in the right to choose. Most had children when they were ready. Unlike Laurence Tribe's legal examination in Abortion: The Clash of Absolutes ( LJ 6/15/90), this book makes real the experience of abortion. Highly recommended for most collections.
- Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Every day in America, abortion providers and the women who need them are in danger. First published ten years ago, this collection of 25 powerful stories from contributors both famous and ordinary, privileged and poor, provides often harrowing insights into what happens when women are denied the right to choose. Testimonials from teenagers, college students, overloaded young mothers, and even a retired male Marine put a human face on one of this country's most controversial issues and offer passionate arguments for access to legal and safe abortions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press; 2nd edition (March 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568581882
• ISBN-13: 978-1568581880
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #639,005 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Coat Hanger Days, March 29, 2001

By	Indienne - See all my reviews

This is a terrific collection of first-person narratives by women who had illegal abortions in the days before Roe V Wade. Some are famous -- Whoopi Goldberg, Linda Ellerbee, Jill Clayburgh, Ursula K LeGuin, Grace Paley. Others are not. But all testify to the fear, desperation and danger that surround abortion when it is forced underground. Harsh religion, sexual ignorance, unsympathetic families, and vanishing boyfriends are recurring themes. Each woman tells her own story--vividly and naturally, without slogans or jargon. Coat hangers and death by sepsis or hemorrhage are not pro-choice propaganda -- they were realities not so long ago. I hope everyone who supports abortion rights will give this book to a friend who thinks maybe restricting abortion would be a good idea. A definite must for your local public library.

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great stories from those who've experienced abortion..., September 3, 2002

By	Former cheerleader "jcheryld" (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion (Hardcover)

This book is a great read for background information and history on the women's right movement and abortion becoming legal in the United States. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Themes about sadness and regret are very common and validating. It also discusses abortion from the man's perspective- one lost his mom! GOOOOOOOOOOOD book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellet, Beautiful, January 26, 2009

By	Rachel Estrella "Rachel Mary" (Rhode Island) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Choices We Made: 25 Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion (Paperback)

Fabulous collection of stories from both women and men. The book accomplishes what it set out to do: share the stories of people affected by abortion. The stories range from tales of illegal, backroom abortions to modern day legality and technology.

Beautifully written, put together, and really moving words. Will remain in the list of most influential Pro-Choice books out there.