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The A Word: A Global History of the Abortion Struggle
The A Word
provides a feminist perspective on the history of abortion, working to end the taboos that surround this procedure—and the word itself.
The A Word champions the women advocating for free and legal access to the seventy-three million abortions performed around the world every year, more than half of which require women to resort to underground procedures that put their lives at risk. This global history defines the term and the practice of abortion as it exists today and tells the stories of women all over the world engaged in the fight to take back control of their bodies.
From the Indigenous use of abortive plants before colonization to the complicated legacy of Margaret Sanger, to modern advocates like Maria Antonieta Alcalde Castro, Wendy Davis, and Simone Veil, the book shines a light on pivotal moments and figures of the abortion struggle and Why do poor women fare worse when trying to access abortion? How was abortion criminalized? Who profits from its illegality?
The A Word reflects on how the struggle for reproductive justice became a movement that has defined our time. It is a fight that has united feminists across continents and decades to secure safe access to a choice that recent history has shown we cannot take for granted.
The A Word champions the women advocating for free and legal access to the seventy-three million abortions performed around the world every year, more than half of which require women to resort to underground procedures that put their lives at risk. This global history defines the term and the practice of abortion as it exists today and tells the stories of women all over the world engaged in the fight to take back control of their bodies.
From the Indigenous use of abortive plants before colonization to the complicated legacy of Margaret Sanger, to modern advocates like Maria Antonieta Alcalde Castro, Wendy Davis, and Simone Veil, the book shines a light on pivotal moments and figures of the abortion struggle and Why do poor women fare worse when trying to access abortion? How was abortion criminalized? Who profits from its illegality?
The A Word reflects on how the struggle for reproductive justice became a movement that has defined our time. It is a fight that has united feminists across continents and decades to secure safe access to a choice that recent history has shown we cannot take for granted.
168 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 29, 2023
Excellente bande dessinée retraçant l’histoire de l’avortement. Elle aborde des aspects que l’on ne considère pas toujours d’emblée ou de façon évidente, faisant de cette lecture un excellent rappel comme une bonne introduction au sujet. En tant que personne pouvant tomber enceinte, tout les enjeux du sujet m’ont été transmis avec sérieux et complétude alors que je prends souvent ce droit (et celui de la contraception) pour des acquis. À mettre dans les mains de tout le monde!!
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June 27, 2022Necessari, útil, pertinent, interessant còmic/assaig sobre l'avortament en general i la seva història al món en particular
September 24, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with early access to this eBook. All opinions are my own.
“The A word” should be a MANDATORY read! It always came as a surprise to be the debate around abortion. I mean, I understand the debate around it, but, for me, it is obvious that it should be legalized because abortion will always happen, regardless of its legality. Making it illegal only comes at a cost to the health of women. Additionally, one person’s beliefs should never compromise the other’s capability of choosing something different (which is evident in so many different aspects of life we don’t debate regularly).
“The A word” does an amazing job showcasing the history behind abortion, from ancient times until now, and how this, unfortunately, is not a guaranteed right to women. Progress was made, and now we are losing it in some countries.
I was sure abortion was healthcare, but finishing this book, I now see how the lack of access to safe and free of cost abortion is a form of oppression to women/people capable of pregnancy. It’s outrageous how some minorities were sterilized against their will, while other women were forced to carry out pregnancies against their will. Against their will seems to be the common denominator in the abortion debate, because, unfortunately, we live in a man’s world where the life of an unborn embryo is more precious than the physical and mental well-being of the woman/person pregnant with said embryo.
“The A word” should be a MANDATORY read! It always came as a surprise to be the debate around abortion. I mean, I understand the debate around it, but, for me, it is obvious that it should be legalized because abortion will always happen, regardless of its legality. Making it illegal only comes at a cost to the health of women. Additionally, one person’s beliefs should never compromise the other’s capability of choosing something different (which is evident in so many different aspects of life we don’t debate regularly).
“The A word” does an amazing job showcasing the history behind abortion, from ancient times until now, and how this, unfortunately, is not a guaranteed right to women. Progress was made, and now we are losing it in some countries.
I was sure abortion was healthcare, but finishing this book, I now see how the lack of access to safe and free of cost abortion is a form of oppression to women/people capable of pregnancy. It’s outrageous how some minorities were sterilized against their will, while other women were forced to carry out pregnancies against their will. Against their will seems to be the common denominator in the abortion debate, because, unfortunately, we live in a man’s world where the life of an unborn embryo is more precious than the physical and mental well-being of the woman/person pregnant with said embryo.
September 6, 2025
“We can continue using euphemisms and ignore the existence of abortion. Or we can move past taboos and analyze why it’s necessary to provide abortions that are legal and free.”
After reading the synopsis and reviews on NetGalley, I immediately requested an ARC of The A Word: A Global History of the Abortion Struggle and I was excited to receive approval a short while later.
Initially, I found the graphic novel layout jarring given the gravity of the subject matter. However, I soon adjusted to it and, ultimately, I think the layout helps to disseminate heavy information in a more palatable format.
Told from a feminist perspective, the book examines the history of abortion across various countries, races and economic classes and it does it exceptionally well. I have always believed I was well-read on the topic of abortion and women’s rights but I learned a great deal from The A Word and will definitely be purchasing a copy of the book once it is released on October 21, 2025.
Thank you NetGalley and NYU Press for providing an arc of this book.
After reading the synopsis and reviews on NetGalley, I immediately requested an ARC of The A Word: A Global History of the Abortion Struggle and I was excited to receive approval a short while later.
Initially, I found the graphic novel layout jarring given the gravity of the subject matter. However, I soon adjusted to it and, ultimately, I think the layout helps to disseminate heavy information in a more palatable format.
Told from a feminist perspective, the book examines the history of abortion across various countries, races and economic classes and it does it exceptionally well. I have always believed I was well-read on the topic of abortion and women’s rights but I learned a great deal from The A Word and will definitely be purchasing a copy of the book once it is released on October 21, 2025.
Thank you NetGalley and NYU Press for providing an arc of this book.
November 12, 2025
Thanks for this GoodReads giveaway win! I am definitely into reproductive rights and graphic novels so it felt like the stars aligned.
It was a really great way to discuss a lot of the topics related to abortion in a clear way that brings up the discordant thinking but without delving in to lengthy debates.
I enjoyed that the art was primarily pink and black, so the full color spreads were neat eye candy.
The points were poignant without being overdone. The only drawback (no stars withheld for that) is that it does read as though it is translated. I assume this has more to do with the original writing style than the translation efforts (like how European films have a different vibe than US films).
It was a really great way to discuss a lot of the topics related to abortion in a clear way that brings up the discordant thinking but without delving in to lengthy debates.
I enjoyed that the art was primarily pink and black, so the full color spreads were neat eye candy.
The points were poignant without being overdone. The only drawback (no stars withheld for that) is that it does read as though it is translated. I assume this has more to do with the original writing style than the translation efforts (like how European films have a different vibe than US films).
August 8, 2022
Qué puedo decir. Me ha encantado 💜 Y agradezco, además de la genealogía histórica y de lucha feminista que hace el libro, que haya sido también de las pocas veces que cuando se habla sobre el aborto veo que se problematiza a la vez el tema de las esterilizaciones forzosas (aunque el cómic se centra en el racismo subyacente a esa vulneración de DDHH y reproductivos sin hablar también sobre las que sufrimos otros colectivos, como psiquiatrizadas y compas discas, a quienes recuerdo que en nuestro país ha sido legal -y práctica cotidiana- esterilizar quirúrgicamente y de forma impuesta, contra su/nuestra voluntad, hasta diciembre de 2020).
También precioso y emocionante el epílogo de Noemí López Trujillo. Recomendable todo el volumen, sisisí.
También precioso y emocionante el epílogo de Noemí López Trujillo. Recomendable todo el volumen, sisisí.
May 29, 2022
En 'La palabra que empieza por A' nos encontramos con un ensayo profundo pero dinámico y accesible sobre El Aborto™: desde conceptos básicos y un repaso histórico hasta la evolución de la legislación al respecto en España y en el resto del mundo, con un dibujo limpio y tremendamente expresivo gracias al uso selectivo del color.
Súper recomendable.
Súper recomendable.
November 9, 2025
This book dives deep into abortion history across the Western world. I went in with a basic understanding of U.S. abortion history, but this expanded it and connected the dots across Europe too. The information is smartly laid out; it’s engaging, clear, and easy to follow. The panels flow well, and the artwork keeps things visually interesting even when the subject matter is a bit dense.
In the end, it’s hard not to feel the weight of how long this fight has gone on. Women deserve control over their own bodies, period. The author captures that sense that the struggle for bodily autonomy isn’t new, it just keeps repeating - “a song without end.”
Thank you NetGalley and NYU Press for an eARC of this title.
In the end, it’s hard not to feel the weight of how long this fight has gone on. Women deserve control over their own bodies, period. The author captures that sense that the struggle for bodily autonomy isn’t new, it just keeps repeating - “a song without end.”
Thank you NetGalley and NYU Press for an eARC of this title.
December 17, 2025
The A Word: A Global History of the Abortion Struggle is one of those books that quietly rearranges your brain. And yes, it is a graphic novel, which makes its ambition even bolder.
It is deeply informative, sometimes overwhelmingly so. This is not a one-sitting read unless you are built different. But the graphic format helps carry the weight. From Indigenous knowledge and papaya workshops to Wendy Davis in pink running shoes, to the 343 women including Simone de Beauvoir who signed a manifesto knowing exactly what they were risking, the book refuses to flatten the abortion struggle into a single narrative.
It keeps circling back to an uncomfortable truth: rich women do not “get abortions,” they go on vacation. Poor women take the risk. Every time.
What I appreciated most is how global and human this history feels. I came in knowing embarrassingly little about the abortion fight beyond headlines. I left understanding how criminalization was built, who profits from it, and why access has always been about power, not morality. At times it is information overload, but maybe that is the point. This is indeed a song without an end. A movement that never really gets to rest. And after reading this, you realize why taking this right for granted is not just naive. It is dangerous.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It is deeply informative, sometimes overwhelmingly so. This is not a one-sitting read unless you are built different. But the graphic format helps carry the weight. From Indigenous knowledge and papaya workshops to Wendy Davis in pink running shoes, to the 343 women including Simone de Beauvoir who signed a manifesto knowing exactly what they were risking, the book refuses to flatten the abortion struggle into a single narrative.
It keeps circling back to an uncomfortable truth: rich women do not “get abortions,” they go on vacation. Poor women take the risk. Every time.
What I appreciated most is how global and human this history feels. I came in knowing embarrassingly little about the abortion fight beyond headlines. I left understanding how criminalization was built, who profits from it, and why access has always been about power, not morality. At times it is information overload, but maybe that is the point. This is indeed a song without an end. A movement that never really gets to rest. And after reading this, you realize why taking this right for granted is not just naive. It is dangerous.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2022
Increíble!! Lo recomiendo mucho, es muy interesante y necesario.
December 10, 2022
10 de 10. Debería ser lectura obligatoria en todos los institutos.
May 24, 2022
Súper informativo, entretenido y, a ratos, emocionante. Una lectura imprescindible acompaña por unas ilustraciones preciosas.
July 1, 2022
Aborto libre, seguro y gratuito 💜
September 3, 2025
A fascinating and often heartbreaking comic book about abortion from a feminist perspective.
The book is short, so of course there is a lot of information that didn't get covered (like a more in-depth look at what's going on in regions outside of North America and Europe - though I understand why NA in particular gets a bit more attention as the book is being published for North American readers). However, there is still a lot of information here on what abortion is, on its history and on how it is seen (and should be seen) through the lense of religion, inequality, race, legislation and, ultimately, freedom.
I am not a historian, so abortion/reproductive rights for me have always been associated with personal freedom - my body, my choice. But this comic made me consider how it is also a question of equality, class and race and that advocating for access to abortion must also include advocating for it to be free, and advocating for reproductive rights must also include advocating for better education.
Illuminating, very stylish (the illustrations by Higinia Garay are awesome and the black/white/pink color combo works wonderfully here) and very very needed.
P.S. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is short, so of course there is a lot of information that didn't get covered (like a more in-depth look at what's going on in regions outside of North America and Europe - though I understand why NA in particular gets a bit more attention as the book is being published for North American readers). However, there is still a lot of information here on what abortion is, on its history and on how it is seen (and should be seen) through the lense of religion, inequality, race, legislation and, ultimately, freedom.
I am not a historian, so abortion/reproductive rights for me have always been associated with personal freedom - my body, my choice. But this comic made me consider how it is also a question of equality, class and race and that advocating for access to abortion must also include advocating for it to be free, and advocating for reproductive rights must also include advocating for better education.
Illuminating, very stylish (the illustrations by Higinia Garay are awesome and the black/white/pink color combo works wonderfully here) and very very needed.
P.S. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2025
5/5⭐️
This graphic novel is a great resource for people who want to learn more about the history, ethics and research surrounding abortion, in Canada and around the world, but don’t want to read a bunch of boring academic articles. The format is quick and easy but still jam packed full of information that is a great start to digging into the abortion and reproductive rights movement.
While it’s impossible to fit centuries of knowledge and education and culture into a 170 page graphic novel and I would love a second novel devoted to explaining eugenics and forced sterilization of particular groups of women, this is an excellent resource to get people thinking and talking about abortion beyond religious right wing politics and agendas aimed at oppressing women.
This book was well researched, well written, and translated complex academic concepts into common language anyone can understand and engage with, making this knowledge everyone should know largely accessible outside of academia.
Great work, 10/10 would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This graphic novel is a great resource for people who want to learn more about the history, ethics and research surrounding abortion, in Canada and around the world, but don’t want to read a bunch of boring academic articles. The format is quick and easy but still jam packed full of information that is a great start to digging into the abortion and reproductive rights movement.
While it’s impossible to fit centuries of knowledge and education and culture into a 170 page graphic novel and I would love a second novel devoted to explaining eugenics and forced sterilization of particular groups of women, this is an excellent resource to get people thinking and talking about abortion beyond religious right wing politics and agendas aimed at oppressing women.
This book was well researched, well written, and translated complex academic concepts into common language anyone can understand and engage with, making this knowledge everyone should know largely accessible outside of academia.
Great work, 10/10 would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 7, 2025
this is something that should be a requirement for every person to read in highschool. this graphic novel was such an amazing, wonderful, and informative read on the history of abortion and how the way it's been criminalized or restricted is a way to suppress and control pregnant folks. although things look bleak in the US, it is encouraging to see what is happening in other countries and then trying to protect pregnant people's rights to choose what they want to do and what is best for them. i highly highly recommend this and really hope it can help others understand how important it is for folks to have access to safe abortions.
*this is an ARC review*
*this is an ARC review*
May 7, 2022
Muy informativo y fácil de leer. Me ha gustado mucho. La única parte en la que creo que le falta research es cuando pone de BFF a Stalin y Hitler... No podía ser perfecto xD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
A succinct but readable survey history presented in graphic form, The A Word: A Global History of the Abortion Struggle, defines the key elements and details important milestones in the ongoing movement for reproductive justice.
Mostly conversational in tone, The A Word begins by talking about how abortions are portrayed in popular culture before defining the terminology and featuring biographies of important advocates and their work with a focus on different nations, such as Canada, the United States and others. There are also sections about natural and traditional remedies, with their hazards or outcomes explained.
The narrative doesn't just look historically, it also raises questions and explains the major viewpoints. A key common thread is what does access to safe abortions mean and who truly suffers when it is not an available option?
Recommended to readers and researchers of contemporary issues, graphic non fiction or health and medicine.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Mostly conversational in tone, The A Word begins by talking about how abortions are portrayed in popular culture before defining the terminology and featuring biographies of important advocates and their work with a focus on different nations, such as Canada, the United States and others. There are also sections about natural and traditional remedies, with their hazards or outcomes explained.
The narrative doesn't just look historically, it also raises questions and explains the major viewpoints. A key common thread is what does access to safe abortions mean and who truly suffers when it is not an available option?
Recommended to readers and researchers of contemporary issues, graphic non fiction or health and medicine.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
August 27, 2025
This was a fantastic nonfiction graphic novel that explores the history of abortion access and the fight for reproductive rights. This book is packed with information- even if you are well informed on the topic, there’s likely information here that is new to you. It goes over the history of activists, the ways countries have changed their views on abortion, the way class and race have affected access, and the risks that occur when safe and legal abortions aren’t an option.
Most of the information I normally read on the topic is very US-centric, so I really appreciated that this provides a larger scope to show how the restriction of abortion access has affected people around the world throughout history. I think this book is a really valuable resource whether you’re well versed in the fight for abortion access and reproductive rights, or just starting to learn about it.
Thanks to netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Most of the information I normally read on the topic is very US-centric, so I really appreciated that this provides a larger scope to show how the restriction of abortion access has affected people around the world throughout history. I think this book is a really valuable resource whether you’re well versed in the fight for abortion access and reproductive rights, or just starting to learn about it.
Thanks to netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2025
I loved the graphic novel format, and it made reading all of the information more entertaining! The writing was very educational and factual!! Would recommend
August 22, 2025
The A Word is a graphic telling on the history of abortion throughout the world through a feminist perspective. It discusses how global restrictions puts women's lives at risk. I liked that it highlighted various countries and put the spotlight on the people who have fought and continue to fight for legal and safe access to abortion. There is so much taboo surrounding abortion and The A Word details how cultural and religious bias is used to push legislations to ban this medical procedure. It upsetting how laws are becoming more restrictive not just here in the United States, but also in other parts of the world. It's important to keep this conversation going so everyone has access to accurate information (and safe abortions without prosecution!). Besides the content, I enjoyed the illustrations!
Thank you, NetGalley and NYU Press | University of Regina Press, for the ARC.
Thank you, NetGalley and NYU Press | University of Regina Press, for the ARC.
October 21, 2025
*read the English e-ARC provided by the publisher*
As a gender equality advocate, abortion is one of the most important topics to speak about. And it is essential to know about it when discussing it. This is exactly why this is a great book: it lays the ground for deeper thinking about abortion and discusses it from a historical, social, and economic perspective.
There were so many things I didn't know about abortion that I now know because they were shown to me in an informative and well-humoured way. And there are lots of topics that will stay on my mind and will shape my daily life as a gender equality advocate (and a woman, of course).
I thank Elizabeth Casillas for the brave work and the publisher for making sure more and more women can access this information.
As a gender equality advocate, abortion is one of the most important topics to speak about. And it is essential to know about it when discussing it. This is exactly why this is a great book: it lays the ground for deeper thinking about abortion and discusses it from a historical, social, and economic perspective.
There were so many things I didn't know about abortion that I now know because they were shown to me in an informative and well-humoured way. And there are lots of topics that will stay on my mind and will shape my daily life as a gender equality advocate (and a woman, of course).
I thank Elizabeth Casillas for the brave work and the publisher for making sure more and more women can access this information.
September 22, 2025
This certainly isn't a bad book for anyone looking for abortion information, but it isn't particularly great either.
A lot of the information felt repetitive, leading to the overall amount of information being rather low. It hits the most major point, but that's all. This probably would have worked better as a zine.
The information that was present was very gendered with no mention of transgender or genderqueer people in relation to abortion care, which is honestly so exhausting in 2025.
The art style was also personally not to my taste, excluding the colored sections.
I think this book is fine, but it's only fine. There are many better book surrounding abortion as a topic that cover it more thoroughly and accurately, but if this was the first introduction someone had to the topic it wouldn't be the worst starting point.
(i received a free copy for review)
A lot of the information felt repetitive, leading to the overall amount of information being rather low. It hits the most major point, but that's all. This probably would have worked better as a zine.
The information that was present was very gendered with no mention of transgender or genderqueer people in relation to abortion care, which is honestly so exhausting in 2025.
The art style was also personally not to my taste, excluding the colored sections.
I think this book is fine, but it's only fine. There are many better book surrounding abortion as a topic that cover it more thoroughly and accurately, but if this was the first introduction someone had to the topic it wouldn't be the worst starting point.
(i received a free copy for review)
February 11, 2024
enlightening, interesting and very well researched documentary comics on abortion and its (mostly western) history. a must read if available in your language/country.
December 18, 2025
Thank you Net Galley, Elizabeth Casillas, and NYU Press for the ARC!
What’s not to love? Beautifully done graphic illustrations by Higinia Garay to help depict both historical and present day information regarding abortion, women’s rights, legislation, and advocacy. This book/graphic does a perfect job articulating the taboo around the word and act of abortion, the struggles historically and currently for people to access safe and affordable abortions, cultural perspectives on abortion, and global legislative rulings for abortion access. If you’re looking for an easy way to absorb a lot of information surrounding abortion and reproductive justice, then this
Is the read for you. Grateful it was translated by Karen Simon so I could experience it!
What’s not to love? Beautifully done graphic illustrations by Higinia Garay to help depict both historical and present day information regarding abortion, women’s rights, legislation, and advocacy. This book/graphic does a perfect job articulating the taboo around the word and act of abortion, the struggles historically and currently for people to access safe and affordable abortions, cultural perspectives on abortion, and global legislative rulings for abortion access. If you’re looking for an easy way to absorb a lot of information surrounding abortion and reproductive justice, then this
Is the read for you. Grateful it was translated by Karen Simon so I could experience it!
December 12, 2025
A book that suitably lambasts a lot of stupid ideas, from witchcraft being a factor in population growth after the Black Death, to the will of dozens of countries to keep women's lives in danger, by either banning abortion, or making it so difficult for the semi-literate, poor and agency-free female to have access to it, which amounts to the same thing.
Yes, this starts out wonderfully, actually telling us why a woman might need an abortion in the first place (clue – it's not really about birds or bees), and going from there to different places, issues and murders around the world that the very charged abortion/anti-choice divide has led to. I say this starts wonderfully as I could see this as a book any school or college library would certainly justify owning – it was ideal for the teenaged reader to have the wool taken from their eyes.
But then the subjects wavered a little (an extended aside about other forms of reproductive rights suppression meaning we lose focus on the core matter) and the vocab wavered, too, with use of words such as "apotheosis". Not a sin that people can't work around, but all the same – this became something more academic than it needed to be.
Elsewhere, though, there are many things to the credit in this book. With only a few diversions into full colour, this is practically all black and white and a rich pink. The narrator's disembodied head keeps appearing against a pink background, overlaid over things, but she always looks cool and acts very authoritatively, meaning this is presented with the reassurance of truth. And neither is it barracking us to be on its side – it has the facts to back up the opinion that with x thousands of women maimed, killed and wounded by underhand abortions, each and every day, it is just fairer for sexism, classism, racism and religion to back off and let womankind access free and safe abortion advice and procedures at point and time of need.
Like I say these pages aren't screaming at us to have that opinion. But common bloody sense says that's the right way to go. All-encompassing, from basic definitions up, and not sermonising in a nasty way, this isn't perfect but is still very valuable – four and a half stars.
Yes, this starts out wonderfully, actually telling us why a woman might need an abortion in the first place (clue – it's not really about birds or bees), and going from there to different places, issues and murders around the world that the very charged abortion/anti-choice divide has led to. I say this starts wonderfully as I could see this as a book any school or college library would certainly justify owning – it was ideal for the teenaged reader to have the wool taken from their eyes.
But then the subjects wavered a little (an extended aside about other forms of reproductive rights suppression meaning we lose focus on the core matter) and the vocab wavered, too, with use of words such as "apotheosis". Not a sin that people can't work around, but all the same – this became something more academic than it needed to be.
Elsewhere, though, there are many things to the credit in this book. With only a few diversions into full colour, this is practically all black and white and a rich pink. The narrator's disembodied head keeps appearing against a pink background, overlaid over things, but she always looks cool and acts very authoritatively, meaning this is presented with the reassurance of truth. And neither is it barracking us to be on its side – it has the facts to back up the opinion that with x thousands of women maimed, killed and wounded by underhand abortions, each and every day, it is just fairer for sexism, classism, racism and religion to back off and let womankind access free and safe abortion advice and procedures at point and time of need.
Like I say these pages aren't screaming at us to have that opinion. But common bloody sense says that's the right way to go. All-encompassing, from basic definitions up, and not sermonising in a nasty way, this isn't perfect but is still very valuable – four and a half stars.
May 28, 2022
Ensayo gráfico, ameno pero riguroso con un montón de datos importantes que todos deberíamos saber para poder tener una postura fundamentada sobre el aborto.
El libro hace un recorrido histórico y geográfico sobre el tema, proporciona estadísticas y datos, aclara conceptos fundamentales, como qué es y que no es un aborto, los tipos de aborto (aborto espontáneo, aborto indirecto, aborto terapéutico, aborto incompleto, aborto retenido, aborto voluntario o inducido), cómo se practica, a dónde recurrir, etc. También pone en el punto de mira un aspecto fundamental, el tema del aborto es un tema de poder, de control, de arrebatar autonomía sobre el cuerpo de la mujer, que se ve como propiedad del varón o del estado. La natalidad es un instrumento poderoso, utilizado tanto para fomentarla cuando ha convenido como para evitarla con movimientos eugenésicos. La fuerza de trabajo es proporcionada por las mujeres que paren nuevos trabajadores para el sistema. Las mujeres esclavas abortaban como una medida de protesta ante la esclavitud.
También es importante mencionar que la edición de Astiberri está muy cuidada, tapa dura, a color y con magníficas ilustraciones de Higinia Garay.
*******
OJO SPOILER: Los abortos no aumentan porque se legalicen y haya un acceso libre, seguro y gratuito. Lo que disminuye con la legalización son las muertes de mujeres que se someten a abortos en malas condiciones (normalmente estrechamente relacionado con mujeres con falta de recursos, dado que las mujeres ricas viajan y abortan, mientras que la sobres mueren), las complicaciones de un aborto inseguro matan a 47.000 mujeres al año (y causan incapacidades a 5 millones), muertes que podrían evitarse dado que la probabilidad de morir tras un aborto seguro es menor que la existente si se lleva a cabo el embarazo. De cada 100 muertes consecuencia del proceso de embarazo 13 corresponden a abortos realizados en malas condiciones. Es decir, 130 mujeres mueren cada día por una causa que podría evitarse fácilmente. Por tanto si alguien realmente es pro vida debería estar favor del aborto libre y gratuito.
El libro hace un recorrido histórico y geográfico sobre el tema, proporciona estadísticas y datos, aclara conceptos fundamentales, como qué es y que no es un aborto, los tipos de aborto (aborto espontáneo, aborto indirecto, aborto terapéutico, aborto incompleto, aborto retenido, aborto voluntario o inducido), cómo se practica, a dónde recurrir, etc. También pone en el punto de mira un aspecto fundamental, el tema del aborto es un tema de poder, de control, de arrebatar autonomía sobre el cuerpo de la mujer, que se ve como propiedad del varón o del estado. La natalidad es un instrumento poderoso, utilizado tanto para fomentarla cuando ha convenido como para evitarla con movimientos eugenésicos. La fuerza de trabajo es proporcionada por las mujeres que paren nuevos trabajadores para el sistema. Las mujeres esclavas abortaban como una medida de protesta ante la esclavitud.
También es importante mencionar que la edición de Astiberri está muy cuidada, tapa dura, a color y con magníficas ilustraciones de Higinia Garay.
*******
OJO SPOILER: Los abortos no aumentan porque se legalicen y haya un acceso libre, seguro y gratuito. Lo que disminuye con la legalización son las muertes de mujeres que se someten a abortos en malas condiciones (normalmente estrechamente relacionado con mujeres con falta de recursos, dado que las mujeres ricas viajan y abortan, mientras que la sobres mueren), las complicaciones de un aborto inseguro matan a 47.000 mujeres al año (y causan incapacidades a 5 millones), muertes que podrían evitarse dado que la probabilidad de morir tras un aborto seguro es menor que la existente si se lleva a cabo el embarazo. De cada 100 muertes consecuencia del proceso de embarazo 13 corresponden a abortos realizados en malas condiciones. Es decir, 130 mujeres mueren cada día por una causa que podría evitarse fácilmente. Por tanto si alguien realmente es pro vida debería estar favor del aborto libre y gratuito.
October 20, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and NYU Press/University of Regina Press for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily. Content warnings (obviously):
Graphic: Abortion, Miscarriage, Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship (let’s just call a pedo a pedo, okay?), Alcoholism, Cancer
If you get offended by abortion, stop reading this. If you don’t want an abortion, don’t have one. Simple. Move on. This text-heavy graphic novel goes through history and across continents to discuss how abortion has been around in society for a long time. It turns out, as with many things western colonialism did was to make it harder and harder for women to have their own agency with their body. That’s right, a bunch of misogynistic men made the rules and laws to control a woman’s body. As usual.
In the United States, the Supreme Court ruled that having safe and accessible healthcare for women is a state issue, not a national one. Which means that conservative-controlled state legislatures have control over women’s bodies, and in some cases, it’s deadly. Several states have such strict abortion laws that women having natural miscarriages are denied service because doctors and patients can be prosecuted. That’s right. A woman having a miscarriage can’t be treated; she must go home and hope she doesn’t develop sepsis. In one state, getting rid of frozen embryos is considered murder. This is a direct attack on women’s rights; it’s a form of oppression.
This was a really interesting graphic history, and I appreciated the fact that the focus was not on the United States but rather the worldwide view, which we don’t hear much about in the States.
Graphic: Abortion, Miscarriage, Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship (let’s just call a pedo a pedo, okay?), Alcoholism, Cancer
If you get offended by abortion, stop reading this. If you don’t want an abortion, don’t have one. Simple. Move on. This text-heavy graphic novel goes through history and across continents to discuss how abortion has been around in society for a long time. It turns out, as with many things western colonialism did was to make it harder and harder for women to have their own agency with their body. That’s right, a bunch of misogynistic men made the rules and laws to control a woman’s body. As usual.
In the United States, the Supreme Court ruled that having safe and accessible healthcare for women is a state issue, not a national one. Which means that conservative-controlled state legislatures have control over women’s bodies, and in some cases, it’s deadly. Several states have such strict abortion laws that women having natural miscarriages are denied service because doctors and patients can be prosecuted. That’s right. A woman having a miscarriage can’t be treated; she must go home and hope she doesn’t develop sepsis. In one state, getting rid of frozen embryos is considered murder. This is a direct attack on women’s rights; it’s a form of oppression.
This was a really interesting graphic history, and I appreciated the fact that the focus was not on the United States but rather the worldwide view, which we don’t hear much about in the States.
October 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really appreciated this graphic non-fiction book. This is the second abortion-related non-fiction book I've read in a short period of time and I think it is incredibly important to pass along all this important information especially as abortions are being fought against across the globe.
As an American, I am most familiar with the US and Conservatives' fights to block abortion rights, this much more global collection of information was eye-opening both about abortions and the rise in far-right/conservative ideas across the world. As new as this story is, its also increasingly heart-breaking about how much has drastically changed for the worse since this information was initially penned (this was also the case with the other abortion non-fiction I read which came out in late 2024).
I love graphic non-fiction because its such a nice format to get important information across to others in a more easily readable way and this was no different. I enjoyed the art style and the minimal use of color to convey our authors/artists points across to the reader. There were a few times that I think the wording was a little clunky or confusing but I think its more so just attributed to the translation and the frequent direct references to other texts. It was nothing overly confusing or unreadable.
Even though this book is less than 200 pages, it still took me a while to get through just because it had so much information to digest, but I highly recommend this book!
I really appreciated this graphic non-fiction book. This is the second abortion-related non-fiction book I've read in a short period of time and I think it is incredibly important to pass along all this important information especially as abortions are being fought against across the globe.
As an American, I am most familiar with the US and Conservatives' fights to block abortion rights, this much more global collection of information was eye-opening both about abortions and the rise in far-right/conservative ideas across the world. As new as this story is, its also increasingly heart-breaking about how much has drastically changed for the worse since this information was initially penned (this was also the case with the other abortion non-fiction I read which came out in late 2024).
I love graphic non-fiction because its such a nice format to get important information across to others in a more easily readable way and this was no different. I enjoyed the art style and the minimal use of color to convey our authors/artists points across to the reader. There were a few times that I think the wording was a little clunky or confusing but I think its more so just attributed to the translation and the frequent direct references to other texts. It was nothing overly confusing or unreadable.
Even though this book is less than 200 pages, it still took me a while to get through just because it had so much information to digest, but I highly recommend this book!
October 23, 2025
Publishing date: 21.10.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and NYU Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
A very important book in the current political climate. Informative, pretty (art), and accessible. 4 stars
Quickfire likes and gripes //
Informative
Accessible and easy to understand
Take a mostly positive, but otherwise neutral, stance to the topic
Not really a global history (Mostly just America and Europe)
What you get //
You get to learn the history of abortions, terminology and how some procedures are done. The constant criminalization, legislation, and back again. What to keep in mind before committing to a procedure. How politics and religion has, and still is, affecting abortions. Laws in some countries and regions. (For my country it is wrong, and I suspect the info for this book wasn’t updated in time according to new laws.)
How it was to read //
Some text is very small and comes in larger blocks, but the font itself is easy to read. I read this in a single sitting. The subject matter itself is heavy, so I would not say the book itself is an easy read, but it went by rather quickly.
Audience //
For everyone wanting to reinforce their existing knowledge of the matter, to learn about it, and to read it in solidarity for those no longer able to get important life saving procedures.
Final Verdict //
This is a very important read right now, and I really wanted to touch up on my knowledge. Got what I wanted, but wish it covered more countries and continents. Giving this 4 stars. Highly recommend
Thank you to NetGalley and NYU Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
A very important book in the current political climate. Informative, pretty (art), and accessible. 4 stars
Quickfire likes and gripes //
Informative
Accessible and easy to understand
Take a mostly positive, but otherwise neutral, stance to the topic
Not really a global history (Mostly just America and Europe)
What you get //
You get to learn the history of abortions, terminology and how some procedures are done. The constant criminalization, legislation, and back again. What to keep in mind before committing to a procedure. How politics and religion has, and still is, affecting abortions. Laws in some countries and regions. (For my country it is wrong, and I suspect the info for this book wasn’t updated in time according to new laws.)
How it was to read //
Some text is very small and comes in larger blocks, but the font itself is easy to read. I read this in a single sitting. The subject matter itself is heavy, so I would not say the book itself is an easy read, but it went by rather quickly.
Audience //
For everyone wanting to reinforce their existing knowledge of the matter, to learn about it, and to read it in solidarity for those no longer able to get important life saving procedures.
Final Verdict //
This is a very important read right now, and I really wanted to touch up on my knowledge. Got what I wanted, but wish it covered more countries and continents. Giving this 4 stars. Highly recommend
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