The Choices We Made

The Choices We Made presents twenty-five personal accounts about abortion from various public figures and private individuals. The contributors span different socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and time periods, offering their direct experiences with abortion before and after its legalization in the United States. The book features testimonials from notable personalities including Whoopi Goldberg, Rita Moreno, and Margot Kidder, alongside stories from people who faced economic hardship or limited access to healthcare. Each narrative details the circumstances and decisions that led to their experiences with abortion, whether personally or through supporting others. Angela Bonavoglia, a former Planned Parenthood executive, compiled these accounts to document the realities of abortion access in America. First published in 1991 on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the book preserves accounts that span several decades of American history. The collection stands as a historical record of personal experiences surrounding reproductive rights, illustrating how access to medical care shapes individual lives and societal outcomes. Through diverse perspectives, it examines the intersection of healthcare, personal autonomy, and social policy.

Readers describe this collection of abortion stories as emotionally intense and eye-opening. Many note the raw honesty of the personal accounts from both well-known figures and private citizens. The book receives praise for: - Giving voice to experiences across different decades and circumstances - Including diverse perspectives from various socioeconomic backgrounds - Documenting pre-Roe v. Wade realities - Clear, straightforward writing style Common criticisms include: - Limited scope of viewpoints represented - Some accounts feel repetitive - Lack of follow-up on long-term impacts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (128 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 reviews) Specific reader comments highlight the book's historical significance: "Important documentation of what life was like before legal abortion" and "These stories need to be preserved and shared." Some readers note it can be "difficult to read emotionally" but consider it "necessary perspective for understanding reproductive rights."

Our Bodies, Ourselves The Boston Women's Health Book Collective's comprehensive guide presents first-hand accounts and medical information about women's health experiences, including reproductive choices.

Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights by Katha Pollitt This collection of narratives and historical analysis explores abortion access through personal stories and documented social impacts across different communities.

The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler Through oral histories, this book documents the experiences of women who surrendered babies for adoption in pre-Roe America, highlighting reproductive rights and social pressures.

This Common Secret by Susan Wicklund A medical provider shares stories from her clinic and the experiences of patients seeking reproductive healthcare across three decades.

Life's Work: A Moral Argument for Choice by Dr. Willie Parker A healthcare provider presents case studies and experiences from his work providing reproductive services in the American South.

🔸 Published in 1991, the book gained renewed attention during significant reproductive rights discussions in subsequent decades. 🔸 Linda Ellerbee, Grace Paley, and Rita Moreno were among the prominent voices who contributed their personal stories to the collection. 🔸 The narratives span nearly five decades of American history, documenting experiences from the 1940s through the 1980s. 🔸 Angela Bonavoglia, as both editor and women's rights advocate, has written extensively for major publications including Ms. Magazine, The Nation, and Salon. 🔸 The book was one of the first mainstream publications to feature public figures openly discussing their abortion experiences, helping break the stigma of silence around the topic.