This Common Secret

This Common Secret chronicles Dr. Susan Wicklund's career as an abortion provider in the United States during a period of intense conflict over reproductive rights. Her memoir recounts both her medical practice and personal experiences across multiple states and clinics. The narrative follows Wicklund's journey from her initial decision to enter medicine through her years of service as a physician facing obstacles and opposition. She details the realities of providing reproductive healthcare in rural and underserved areas, while navigating professional challenges and security concerns. The book incorporates perspectives from patients seeking care as well as insights into the broader medical and social landscape of abortion access in America. Wicklund documents the evolving medical protocols, changing laws, and community dynamics that shaped her practice over decades. Through frank examination of one doctor's experiences, This Common Secret illuminates the complex intersections of medicine, politics, and personal conviction in American healthcare. The memoir raises fundamental questions about privacy, access to medical care, and the responsibilities of healthcare providers.

Readers view this memoir as an intimate look at the realities of abortion care from a provider's perspective. Many note the book's balanced tone and personal storytelling approach. What readers liked: - Clear explanation of medical procedures and clinic operations - Author's candid discussion of her own experiences and evolution - Context about access challenges in rural areas - Details about security measures providers must take - Personal patient stories that avoid sensationalism What readers disliked: - Some found the writing style basic or unpolished - A few wanted more policy discussion and less personal narrative - Several mentioned the book felt incomplete or ended abruptly Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (50+ reviews) Notable reader comments: "Honest without being preachy" - Goodreads reviewer "Important perspective that's often missing from the debate" - Amazon reviewer "Could have delved deeper into systemic issues" - LibraryThing review

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🔸 Susan Wicklund wore a bulletproof vest and carried a handgun while working as an abortion provider, having faced numerous death threats and stalkers throughout her career. 🔸 The book reveals how Wicklund's own experience getting an abortion in 1976 inspired her to become a provider herself, determined to give women a more compassionate experience than she had. 🔸 To reach underserved rural communities, Wicklund regularly flew to multiple states to provide care, sometimes working in up to four different clinics per week. 🔸 During the height of anti-abortion protests in the 1990s, protesters followed Wicklund's young daughter to school and showed her graphic photos, leading the family to temporarily go into hiding. 🔸 The title "This Common Secret" refers to the author's estimate that one in three American women will have an abortion in their lifetime, yet it remains a largely unspoken experience.