Access: Inside the Abortion Underground and the Sixty-Year Battle for Reproductive Freedom

by Rebecca Grant

From the award-winning author of Birth, a comprehensive, eye-opening history of the reproductive freedom movement—a journey into the underground activist networks that have been working to protect women’s autonomy over their bodies amidst legal, political, religious, and cultural oppression over the past sixty years.

When it comes to the fight for bodily autonomy and women’s rights in America, there are names and stories that we recognize—Gloria Steinem, Flo Kennedy, Norma McCorvey (a.k.a. Jane Roe), and the Janes. We are aware of the legislation, the victories, and the setbacks. But the people and stories that have defined the nearly sixty-year battle over abortion in America has largely been untold, hidden in the shadows and operating between and around changing laws, across digital and physical borders, and even in the liminal space of international waters.

Now, in Access, journalist and award-winning author Rebecca Grant reveals the full scope of the underground reproductive freedom movement in, around, and outside the United States, from the clandestine work of the Janes and referral networks like The List in the second wave women’s liberation movement to the modern practice of self-managed abortion with pills through “accompaniment” networks and online platforms like Women on Web and Aid Access. In the wake of the SCOTUS decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Access provides both a historical framework and up-to-date details and stories about how feminist activists have always fought to subvert, undermine, and resist abortion bans by keeping pathways open, beyond the scope of the law.

Told with Grant’s trademark blend of expert research and investigative reporting, with deep compassion and humanity, Access celebrates the bravery, ingenuity, and determination of women across decades who have fought for a fundamental human right—and is an inspiring rallying cry for the work that lies ahead.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Womens, Historical, Feminism

480 pages, Hardcover

Published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Heather G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book was so much more than I anticipated. So informative and at times tragic. But inspiring too. Also, scary.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. this was a well researched comprehensive recent history of abortion rights both in the US and abroad. I learned more about abortion in one chapter than I have heard in my whole life (I am a cis woman well into my reproductive age) which is the point, not enough women are aware of their choices and those that are face criticism, harassment, obstacles to access and even legal ramifications. please get this book, read it, share it, get it into as many hands as possible and help make a change.

[Sophie Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went to a talk Rebecca Grant gave at Politics&Prose in DC about this book. Loved how the story centered on activists working to protect women outside of the medical and legal systems. Especially enjoyed reading about Dr. Abigail Aiken and Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, both lectured in a class I took in college and it was fun to read this as a call back.

[Venneh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big props for being sure to include current best practices for self managed abortions in the back of this book. This looks at the long term history of how people actually access abortions across multiple countries around the world, and how this kind of thing can be coordinated internationally. Because of when it was published, it cuts off right at the start of Trump's second term, which is really just a huge cliff drop and scream, but this helps you remember that there will always be ways to access abortion, and gives you current best practices if you end up needing one.