In this blog, we’ve gathered a selection of fiction and non-fiction books that explore abortion and reproductive rights from a range of perspectives.
If you have had an abortion, or are supporting someone through their treatment, you may find it helpful to read books that centre abortion stories and experiences.
We’re including recommendations for books if:
- You’re new to learning about abortion
- You want to read other people’s stories and experiences
- You want to read fictional books with themes of abortion or reproductive rights/ freedom
1. If you’re new to learning about abortion
A Necessary Kindness, by Juno Carey
This book shares the stories and experiences of Juno Carey, who works as an abortion midwife, and the stories of the people that she helps to access abortion care.
Beyond Pro Life and Pro Choice: The Changing Politics of Abortion in Britain by Fran Amery
Fran Amary discusses the evolution of the politics and laws surrounding abortion care in Britain, and takes a deeper look at new themes emerging in abortion rights. To note: this book was written and published before the law was changed to end the prosecution of women who end their own pregnancies.
2. If you want to read other people’s stories and experiences
Read stories from MSI UK clients here
Sharing stories is at the heart of ending stigma that too many people feel when it comes to abortion. Our clients wanted to share their stories with you so you can know what to expect, know you are not alone, and feel reassured – whatever your decision may be.
Shout your abortion is a collection of photos, essays and creative work inspired by the social media movement ‘shout your abortion’ (@shoutyourabortion) which encourages people to share their abortion stories, challenge stigma, and fight against shame.
Seahorses: Trans, Non-Binary and Gender-Expansive Pregnancy
An anthology of the experiences of trans and non-binary people in pregnancy – including abortion.
This Common Secret: My Journey as an abortion doctor by Susan Wicklund
A memoir written by an American abortion doctor, covering her 20-year career, up to 2007 when this book is written. Wicklund also covers her harrowing experiences with the anti-choice movement.
You’re the only one I’ve told: The Stories Behind Abortion by Meera Shah
Dr Meera Shah, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood, collects abortion stories from her work as a provider. This book tells the stories of people who often would say to her ‘you’re the only one I’ve told’. The stories cover a wide range of ages, races, socioeconomic factors – showing that all abortion stories are different, but all of them matter.
Beyond Limits: Stories of Third-Trimester Abortion Care
This book is written by Dr Shelley Sella, an American abortion provider. It tells of her experiences, and the stories of those she supported to access abortion care in the third trimester (over 28 weeks gestation). Abortion at this stage of pregnancy is so frequently misunderstood; this book helps to demystify these experiences and speak on the circumstances her patients encountered.
This autobiography follows Annie Ernaux’s experience of having an abortion whilst abortion was illegal in France in the early 1960s. She covers the steps she had to take to access care, in unsafe conditions. This book demonstrates how the criminalisation of abortion can force people into dangerous situations, with nowhere else to turn.
3. If you want to read fictional books with themes of abortion, reproductive rights or reproductive freedom
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
This novella tells the story of a coal merchant in Ireland in the 1980s, and his discovery of a Magdalene Laundry, (institutions that operated from the 18th – 20th century for supposed ‘fallen women’, for example unmarried mothers, who were forced to do unpaid labour, like laundry) . The novel features strong themes of women’s rights and their lack of reproductive freedom and choice.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Against a backdrop of conflict in Afghanistan, the interwoven stories of two women show the consequences of a lack of agency and choice over their own bodies. Reproductive choices are controlled by family, religion, or state.
In The Mothers, Britt Bennett covers the aftermath of accessing abortion care as a teenager in a close-knit community in Southern California. The book highlights how abortion, despite it being the choice of the individual accessing care, can be scrutinised publicly – and how stigma can stop people from sharing their experiences, causing long-term impact.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
The story of interconnected, mostly black British, women and non-binary people’s lives and their experiences with motherhood, pregnancy and reproductive choice. The book demonstrates how different generations navigate decisions, including reproductive autonomy.
This novella is set in Argentina, originally written in Argentinian Spanish, and released in 1958. It tells the story of a young Argentinian farmworker, who has an abortion after becoming pregnant as the result of a rape. She exists within a strongly Catholic, patriarchal society, and faces extreme stigma – with no safe, legal way to access abortion care.
A dystopian novel, set in the US in the near future, that follows the lives of five women. They do not have access to any reproductive healthcare, including abortion care. The book focuses on the dangers of removing and restricting reproductive access, told through the experiences of these women – one of whom is forced to access an abortion ‘illegally’.
In 1950s Connecticut, a couple who believe they are set out for a better life fall pregnant with their third child. April, the main character, considers having an abortion and moving to Paris to start a new life and regain control over her future.
Set in Ireland, The Rachel Incident includes a storyline in which the main character considers accessing abortion care –shown to be one of the key points in her coming-of-age. Her decision is made amongst the constraints of accessing abortion care in Ireland at that time.
Do you have any other recommendations? We’d love to hear them! Get in touch with us on TikTok,Instagram and Facebook.
You can read abortion stories from MSI UK clients here.
