The Abortion Companion: An Affirming Handbook for Your Choice and Your Journey

by Becca Rea-Tucker

A warm, accepting, non-judgmental, and stigma-free companion for your abortion journey.

Whether you had an abortion earlier this morning or thirty years ago, whether you’re feeling relief or grief (or both!), and even if you haven’t had an abortion but just want to untangle how you feel about it, this book is a safe and supportive resource. 

With an emphasis on self-compassion, it collects reflection prompts, affirmations, conversation scripts, logistical info, self-care tips, and much more to validate and support you no matter where you fall in the full spectrum of experiences of people who have abortions. Bolstered by beautiful illustrations and the caring, confident support of author and abortion advocate Becca Rea-Tucker, this book will meet you wherever you are and offer guidance for every step of your journey.

Genres: Health

184 pages, Hardcover

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

Becca Rea-Tucker is a reproductive rights advocate, baker, and author whose work merges activism and dessert. She is the author of the cookbook Baking by Feel and the upcoming The Abortion Companion, a supportive guide for people who have abortions. Through her platform @TheSweetFeminist and Substack A Little Something Sweet, she shares affirmations, resources, and writing that challenges shame and anti-abortion misinformation. Her work explores stigma, self-compassion, and bodily autonomy.

Becca’s viral cakes with feminist messages have sparked national conversations. Her work has been featured in The New York Times Style Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Literary Hub, and Vanity Fair Italy, among others.

She lives in Austin, TX with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Reviews

[Anna Gergerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, friendly, judgement free, informational book on the abortion process and how to navigate complex emotions regarding your abortion. I’d recommend it for anyone who can get pregnant as well as those who know and love people who can get pregnant. In this political climate, we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to arm ourselves with knowledge, empathy, and compassion, and that’s exactly what The Abortion Companion does.

The audiobook is narrated by the author and is extremely well done. It makes the whole experience feel very personal, like talking with a trusted friend. I’m so glad that this will soon be available to so many people who need it, and I’m grateful to Hachette Audio for providing me an advance listener copy via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.

[Off Service Book Recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The decision to have an abortion can be a kaleidoscope of emotions, and at every turn there will be someone or something who wants to offer their (often unsolicited) opinion on every aspect of what should be a personal healthcare choice. For those who have had, are having, or might have an abortion someday, or would like to know more about eh process and how to navigate this sensitive topic, Becca Rea-Tucker offers a judgement-free, affirming, warm, and informative resource that collects reflection prompts, affirmations, conversation scripts, logistical info, self-care tips, and much more to help readers validate their experience around abortion, no matter where they fall on the spectrum of feeling surrounding this topic. Compassionate and validating, this handbook meets readers where they are and offers a helping hand every step of the way.

This was a quick and resourceful guide that felt like getting wrapped in a hug from someone you care about. I loved how affirming this handbook was and that it not only offered medical information and helpful resources for those looking for abortion care, but also really focused on the mental/spiritual/emotional care that those who have had or will have an abortion should give to themselves (as well as give to others going through this, if the guide is being used by a friend or family member). I like that it offers concrete examples for how to approach difficult conversations and respond to backlash, and I thought the prompts and lists were also really resourceful, and gives those who are likely already burdened by information and choice fatigue a space to breathe and let someone do the lifting in this regard for them. Overall, really excellent information about abortion and all its aspects in a 2025 America and a great quick guide and/or jumping off point for those who wish to learn more!

[Reading_seas0n · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Hachette Audio | Running Press Adult and NetGalley for allowing me access to this audiobook and book/ Here is my very honest opinion.

Perfectly balancing being informative, caring, compassionate and resourceful, I believe 'the Abortion Companion' would be an asset for school resources or just public consumption in general.

This book gives you straight facts and straight stories from the author themselves and snippets from others who have had abortions. It offers resources & exercises for those who are, will or have had an abortion (or someone they know).

While this audiobook uses a lot of experiences from the United States, I think we can agree that the feeling of abortion feeling taboo a topic to discussion let alone have, is still strangely and unfortunately universal.
I grew up in a Catholic country that locked girls away in the 1920s - 1990s who fell pregnant and forced those folks to have children. They didn't have a choice. I grew up with parents who were prolife and shaped my mind to lean that way but when we moved countries and I actually wasn't sheltered anymore I realized why that view had always felt off, because I didn't believe it and that I was actually PRO CHOICE.
I have had my own experience with abortion and reading this felt very reassuring in a way.

There are so many things we don't have a choice in. There are so many times choices are taken away from people.
Having a say over your own body and your life should not be one of them.
While my review is more forceful in some people's eyes, this book was very open and gentle and I really recommend it anyone who is going through this or perhaps is questioning their opinion on the matter. This offers information, from there you can take what you will.

[Clara Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listening copy (ALC)!

This is a book I picked up to make myself uncomfortable on purpose- as someone who survived seeing Unplanned (2019) in the movie theater, abortion is still a topic I feel a lot of discomfort around (despite the fact that my beliefs have changed drastically since I was a conservative 16-year-old being traumatized by *that* abortion pill bathroom scene).

This book is good. It's short, it's sweet, it's full of compassionate support that I think a lot of people will appreciate. Abortion is not something I have personal experience with, but this is a book I would recommend if someone came to me asking for help. A lot of the information in here I've already seen on social media in various capacities, so it wasn't really new information, but
having access to it via a physical book is wise in our current political climate.

It is *not* a breakdown of various beliefs about abortion, and doesn't get into the nitty-gritty about it, so if you're looking for something that really tackles abortion as an issue, this isn't it. This is, however, a great resource for people interested in understanding abortion resources, or looking for advice on how to approach the issue with love, care, compassion, and support.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Abortion Companion was short but incredibly informative. For those who have had, are having, or might have an abortion someday, or would like to know more about the process and how to navigate this sensitive topic, Becca Rea-Tucker offers a judgement-free, affirming, warm, and informative resource to help readers validate their experience around abortion, no matter where they fall on the spectrum of feeling surrounding this topic.
I could appreciate the balance between medical information, informative care, and comforting language. It felt like talking to your friend who happens to be in the medical field but still wants to wrap you in a hug. It is gentle but clear throughout.
Rae-Tucker uses gender-affirming language throughout and continues to note that it is not only cis-women who may be seeking abortion information, a note that I think is critical right now.

The Abortion Companion is due to be published 01/13/2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was accessible, easy to follow, and presented in a genuinely nonjudgmental and informative way. It offers a clear, compassionate overview of abortion that feels grounded in support rather than debate.

Although I have never personally experienced an abortion, I feel confident that this book would be incredibly beneficial if I ever found myself in that situation or if a friend or family member needed support. It now feels like a valuable resource I can confidently recommend. Although I listened to the audiobook version, I would definitely like to have a printed copy, as I believe it would be an accessible, easy-to-reference resource.

The resources shared throughout the book were especially helpful, thoughtfully covering all points of care—pre-abortion, abortion, and post-abortion. I also really appreciated the discussion around Google searches and app tracking, along with the practical alternatives provided.

Overall, this book feels necessary and affirming, focusing on providing support rather than statistics or history. I would absolutely recommend it.

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Hackett audio for sending me this very important work. I received the audiobook via NetGalley but reviews are my own.
In today’s world, there is NOT enough access to neutral information about women’s healthcare that doesn’t have a political man’s fingers all over it or that isn’t loaded in religious guilt.

These kinds of books are so so important. The right to chose, the power to chose, is so important. I think we pivot, no matter the climb it may be- but as the book discusses the benefits of having access to conversations and others who have received an abortion is limited. It’s hard to really understand the very nature of the thing when it’s shrouded in secrecy and fear.

Thank you for putting this out and thank you for considering audiobook readers.

[Lourdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an very informative book for a controversial topic - abortion. This book offers comfort while explaining the history of abortion, the options someone has, and tips on seeking support or how to navigate with abortion. The author touches on this topic with care and offers their personal experience. There is a sense of not being judged if this is an experience the reader has taken or is thinking of doing.

Throughout the book, resources are scattered throughout, making the reader aware that there are support systems throughout the entire experience (before, during, and after). The list of resources in the back offers specifics about each resource.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Brittney E’Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook of this. Now this one was a read. Short but informative. Not only does the author use inclusive gender terms but makes sure to make a point in every chapter that not only people that identify as women need or will have an abortion. Talks about the past laws and the current laws against and for the process. What could be required for it. Heck even talks about the scams that are involved and how to avoid them. The big take away is how the author writes this book like a knowledgeable friend and doesn’t make you feel alone nor guilty for your decision which is rare in this current political climate. 4.5 stars

[Lexi readingwhilehot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, clear, supportive resource. I will absolutely put it in my (mental health) waiting room. Comprehensive and useful for everyone with a uterus, or supporting an abortion. Well researched, with useful templates for taking time off or asking for an extension.

It’s very short, which I found appropriate for the content. When time is of the essence, this was a great outline for anyone who is pursuing or considering abortion in the United States. This book goes a long way for normalizing and accessing abortions. Thank you NetGalley for the free audiobook in exchange for the authentic review.

[Lauryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the first time I’ve read something about abortion that lays out the facts and removes the moral judgement. Becca’s book helped me understand the history of abortion, the road blocks that exist today and ways to navigate the process from comfort shows to hotlines to call.

I think we need more handbooks like this that explain what an abortion actually is, how our system currently works AND idealizes a society where it’s not so prohibitive.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so incredibly cozy and filled with love. In a world with so much harmful misinformation and unnecessary stigma surrounding abortion, reading it really felt like having a friend who just gets it and will hold your hand through an array of experiences and emotions you might have before, during, or after an abortion 💜

[Joshanna Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for writing a book with compassion and unconditional support for people who have abortions.

This book felt like a warm blanket of comfort and love.

I wish 19 year-old me would have had something like this.

[Murphy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is such a validating resource for anyone going through an abortion or considering their options.

[Courtney LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book about an important topic and a wonderful reminder: ANY reason is reason to have an abortion. No shame, no guilt, no fear. I'm grateful a book like this exists in the world.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was eager to read this after the abortion fund I work for did an event with the author, and also just because the world needs more books like this. A great, manageable, pretty comprehensive resource, this book is very digestible and accessible for anyone in need of information and support for their decision, whether it's hypothetical, imminent, or long past. Very much the friend you wished you had in your moment of need, I particularly appreciated the "I wrote some texts for you" section, where Rea-Tucker gives some prepared responses for readers to reply with to questions they don't want to or know how to answer. Unfortunately, this is a book that's likely to need regular updating, since a big chunk of it is things like online resources, nonprofit orgs that offer representation or support, and other information that's likely to change, but it's a great starting point and in particular gives good tips for digital security and seeking care when you live in a place where you could be prosecuted. My only real complaint about this book is that somehow there is absolutely no mention of the fact that some people seek abortions because they were sexually assaulted; that strikes me as a pretty incredible oversight. I imagine the author wanted to keep the tone as positive and affirming as possible, but people who've been raped need support and affirmation, probably more than anyone, so I was disappointed to find they're not acknowledged. Apart from that, I think this is a great book to have on hand in school libraries, medical clinics, little neighborhood libraries, and anywhere people might be looking for information and support (or information about how to support someone they love).