Americas
![undefined - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_undefined.jpg)
![Kathryn KolbertJulie F. Kay - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_kathryn_kolbertjulie_f_kay.jpg)
Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom
**Shortlisted for the 2021 Stephan Russo Goddard Riverside Book Prize for Social Justice**
This definitive account of the battle for reproductive freedom includes a bold new strategy to safeguard our rights, from two lawyers at the forefront of the movement.
Reproductive freedom has never been in more dire straits. Roe v. Wade protected abortion rights and Planned Parenthood v. Casey unexpectedly preserved them. Yet in the following decades these rights have been gutted by restrictive state legislation, the appointment of hundreds of anti-abortion judges, and violence against abortion providers. Today, the ultra-conservative majority at the Supreme Court has overturned our most fundamental reproductive protections.
With Roe toppled, abortion is now a criminal offense in nearly one-third of the United States. At least six states have enacted bans on abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy-before many women are even aware they are pregnant. Today, 89% of U.S. counties do not have a single abortion provider, in part due to escalating violence and intimidation aimed at disrupting services. We should all be free to make these personal and private decisions that affect our lives and wellbeing without government interference or bias, but we can no longer depend on Roe v. Wade and the federal courts to preserve our liberties.
Legal titans Kathryn Kolbert and Julie F. Kay share the story of one of the most divisive issues in American politics through behind-the-scenes personal narratives of stunning losses, hard-earned victories, and moving accounts of women and health care providers at the heart of nearly five decades of legal battles. Kolbert and Kay propose audacious new strategies inspired by medical advances, state-level protections, human rights models, and activists across the globe whose courage and determination are making a difference.
No more banging our heads against the Court's marble walls. It is time for a new direction.
This definitive account of the battle for reproductive freedom includes a bold new strategy to safeguard our rights, from two lawyers at the forefront of the movement.
Reproductive freedom has never been in more dire straits. Roe v. Wade protected abortion rights and Planned Parenthood v. Casey unexpectedly preserved them. Yet in the following decades these rights have been gutted by restrictive state legislation, the appointment of hundreds of anti-abortion judges, and violence against abortion providers. Today, the ultra-conservative majority at the Supreme Court has overturned our most fundamental reproductive protections.
With Roe toppled, abortion is now a criminal offense in nearly one-third of the United States. At least six states have enacted bans on abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy-before many women are even aware they are pregnant. Today, 89% of U.S. counties do not have a single abortion provider, in part due to escalating violence and intimidation aimed at disrupting services. We should all be free to make these personal and private decisions that affect our lives and wellbeing without government interference or bias, but we can no longer depend on Roe v. Wade and the federal courts to preserve our liberties.
Legal titans Kathryn Kolbert and Julie F. Kay share the story of one of the most divisive issues in American politics through behind-the-scenes personal narratives of stunning losses, hard-earned victories, and moving accounts of women and health care providers at the heart of nearly five decades of legal battles. Kolbert and Kay propose audacious new strategies inspired by medical advances, state-level protections, human rights models, and activists across the globe whose courage and determination are making a difference.
No more banging our heads against the Court's marble walls. It is time for a new direction.
Editorial Reviews
"An extraordinary book with great history lessons…incredible stories….There's something for everyone….Bold and wonderful."―Cecile Richards, former President of Planned Parenthood and New York Times bestselling author of Make Trouble
"Urgent and timely...Kolbert and Kay's pressing, informative, and engaging book is leading the charge in the right direction."―Gloria Steinem
"Kathryn Kolbert and Julie F. Kay, unparalleled experts, have written a rich, smart, and engaging book about why reproductive freedom is the crux of women's rights and equality. It's essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of democracy."―Soraya Chemaly, author of Rage Becomes Her
"Controlling Women is a remarkably thorough account of the history of the legal fight for abortion rights in the United States and sets the stage for the work that still must be done to ensure that the broad spectrum of reproductive rights are a reality for all. Kolbert and Kay have added a vital resource to the pantheon."―Nancy Northup, President and CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights
"The story feels both old and new. The wins, the backlash-it's exhausting. How many times do women have to shout their abortions? How many times do women have to demand to have a voice about our own skin? But while Kay and Kolbert provide a necessary and urgent primer on the history of reproductive rights in America, they don't just end the story here in this moment, where reproductive rights are under attack like never before, they push the conversation forward. Instead of making their mission smaller, they are expanding the vision of reproductive justice to include 'healthcare for all,' better sex ed, expanding access to birth control, reducing sexual abuse, violence, and harassment, and reducing maternal deaths."―Lyz Lenz, author of Belabored
"I've been waiting for the handbook on reproductive rights and THIS IS IT."―Tess Holliday
"[Controlling Women] could not come at a more timely moment. A great book."―Leta Hong Fincher, author of Betraying Big Brother and Leftover Women
"Controlling Women… aims to revive robust discussion of reproductive rights – and not a moment too soon – by making it clear just how much is at stake in wh...
"Urgent and timely...Kolbert and Kay's pressing, informative, and engaging book is leading the charge in the right direction."―Gloria Steinem
"Kathryn Kolbert and Julie F. Kay, unparalleled experts, have written a rich, smart, and engaging book about why reproductive freedom is the crux of women's rights and equality. It's essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of democracy."―Soraya Chemaly, author of Rage Becomes Her
"Controlling Women is a remarkably thorough account of the history of the legal fight for abortion rights in the United States and sets the stage for the work that still must be done to ensure that the broad spectrum of reproductive rights are a reality for all. Kolbert and Kay have added a vital resource to the pantheon."―Nancy Northup, President and CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights
"The story feels both old and new. The wins, the backlash-it's exhausting. How many times do women have to shout their abortions? How many times do women have to demand to have a voice about our own skin? But while Kay and Kolbert provide a necessary and urgent primer on the history of reproductive rights in America, they don't just end the story here in this moment, where reproductive rights are under attack like never before, they push the conversation forward. Instead of making their mission smaller, they are expanding the vision of reproductive justice to include 'healthcare for all,' better sex ed, expanding access to birth control, reducing sexual abuse, violence, and harassment, and reducing maternal deaths."―Lyz Lenz, author of Belabored
"I've been waiting for the handbook on reproductive rights and THIS IS IT."―Tess Holliday
"[Controlling Women] could not come at a more timely moment. A great book."―Leta Hong Fincher, author of Betraying Big Brother and Leftover Women
"Controlling Women… aims to revive robust discussion of reproductive rights – and not a moment too soon – by making it clear just how much is at stake in wh...
Readers Top Reviews
S. L. Pieper
It has always amazed me that men think they a better than women and somehow seem to think they can control another human being. Just goes to show what EGO can do. It makes me sick that men can be so stupid to think they are better than the live givers.
Kevin B.
excellent book on the issues currently involving reproductive rights in America. Highly recommend.
Jennifer Lincoln
Now more than ever we need to be prepared for Roe v Wade to be overturned. Rather than wallowing in this, we need to understand how to fight back and alter the strategy to protect reproductive freedom. This book is an excellent resource to brush up on abortion history, why it's under attack, and most importantly what to do next. This includes actionable items as well as lofty goals - from two authors who are experts on this subject and more than qualified to be writing this book. Buy this, read this, pass it on.
I got this book as a goodreads giveaway and I'm glad I got to read it. I've always been interested in the politics of healthcare especially reproductive and women's health. This book has a plethora of information about the law, current issues and ways to help in the fight to preserve rights to quality health care regardless of your socioeconomic status, age, ethnicity, religion, etc. The only part of the book that threw me off was the chapter on Ireland and international reproductive laws. Besides that one piece, this book is a great read.
