Her Body, Our Laws

Michelle Goodwin's Her Body, Our Laws examines the complex history and current state of reproductive rights in America. Through research, interviews, and case studies, Goodwin traces the evolution of laws governing women's bodies from slavery through the present day. The book presents perspectives from medical professionals, legal experts, activists, and women directly impacted by reproductive legislation. Goodwin analyzes how race, class, and gender intersect with reproductive healthcare access and legal frameworks. Looking beyond political rhetoric, the text investigates both intended and unintended consequences of abortion restrictions and criminalization. The documentation includes data on maternal mortality rates, economic impacts, and public health outcomes across different demographics and regions. The work contributes to contemporary discourse by connecting historical patterns of control over women's bodies to modern policy debates. Through this examination, Goodwin raises fundamental questions about autonomy, equality, and the relationship between law and human rights.

Readers describe this book as a comprehensive examination of reproductive rights backed by extensive research and personal narratives. Several reviews note Goodwin's analysis of how policing of pregnancy affects marginalized communities through real cases and legal documents. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex legal concepts - Documentation of impacts on women of color - Balance of academic research with human stories - Inclusion of historical context Common criticisms: - Dense legal terminology can be challenging for non-lawyers - Some found the personal accounts repetitive - A few readers wanted more discussion of potential solutions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.31/5 (183 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) "The mix of constitutional analysis and real women's experiences makes the stakes clear," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review noted: "Required reading for anyone interested in reproductive rights, though the legal sections take work to get through."

Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts Chronicles the history of reproductive rights violations against Black women in America through legal, social, and political frameworks.

The War on Choice by Gloria Feldt Documents the systematic erosion of reproductive rights in the United States through legislation, court decisions, and institutional policies.

Liberty and Sexuality by David Garrow Maps the legal evolution of reproductive rights from the birth control movement through Roe v. Wade and subsequent Supreme Court decisions.

Pregnancy and Power by Rickie Solinger Examines how race, class, and politics have shaped reproductive healthcare access and policies throughout American history.

After Roe by Mary Ziegler Traces the transformation of the abortion debate in American law, politics, and medicine since the 1973 Supreme Court decision.

🔍 Author Michelle Goodwin was inspired to write this book after discovering that her mother had nearly died from an illegal abortion in the pre-Roe era 📚 The book draws from over 100 interviews with women who sought abortions both before and after Roe v. Wade ⚖️ The author is a Chancellor's Professor at UC Irvine School of Law and the founding director of the Center for Biotechnology and Global Health Policy 🗂️ The research presented in the book reveals that in states with the strictest abortion laws, prosecutors have used these laws to arrest and jail women for miscarriages and stillbirths 🌍 The book examines abortion policies across multiple countries, including El Salvador, where women can face up to 40 years in prison for having a miscarriage that's suspected to be an abortion