Book Review: Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights
Katha Pollitt, Author; Published: 2014 by Picador; $25; 258 pages; ISBN-13: 978-1250072665
Review By Paige Nehls
Oftentimes I find myself on the verge of informing people that I am not their human rights babysitter. In a five minute exchange I cannot relay to you the knowledge I have about human rights from my experiences and readings. You must venture on that quest on your own. I believe it is essential to your growth as a person.
When I’m not on the verge, when I’m quite past it and my thoughts have come out into words, people often ask me, “Well how do I start my quest?” With this book. This is where you start. No point in putting your toes in the water. Take a deep breath, yell “CANNONBALL” and jump into one of the most controversial human rights issues of our time.
Pollitt’s approach to this touchy subject is genius. She does not negotiate with the pro-lifers or even the pro-choicers (whom she makes the point of saying have been lax in their advocacy for some decades and the pro-lifers have taken over). She simply states the facts. No need for theoretical, moral arguments here. Just facts.
Why do we still talk about abortion? Here’s why: 1 in 3 women will have an abortion in her lifetime. It does not matter what her views are or her partner’s. It will happen. Women have been having abortions for thousands of years. Making abortion illegal only makes it less safe. Pollitt even points out that delivering a child is more dangerous to a woman than having an abortion.
My favorite part of this book, besides the entire thing, is that Pollitt encourages us to own abortion rights. Be pro-abortion not just pro-choice. Many women who have abortions aren’t traumatized by it, they are relieved. In fact, most of them already are married and have children and do not want anymore. Women know what is best for themselves and their families, not lawmakers or people who are not involved in her direct family. I’m talking about you, one guy in the comments of every abortion article condemning a woman you don’t know for her choice.
Pollitt also clears up the science of what a ‘fetus’ is actually, scientifically, not what pro-life propaganda choose it to be.
This book review could go on for miles, but I urge everyone to read this book. It is absolutely essential to understanding the history of abortion rights, the statistics about it, what works, what doesn’t, and why a group of cells does not have the right to a woman’s body over herself.
Do yourself a favor and read this book.