Handbook for a Post-Roe America

by Robin Marty

The end of Roe v. Wade is coming. How will you prepare?

Handbook for a Post-Roe America is a comprehensive and user-friendly manual for understanding and preparing for the looming changes to reproductive rights law, and getting the healthcare you need––by any means necessary. Activist and writer Robin Marty guides readers through various worst-case scenarios of a post-Roe America, and offers ways to fight back, including: how to acquire financial support, how to use existing networks and create new ones, and how to, when required, work outside existing legal systems. She details how to plan for your own emergencies, how to start organizing now, what to know about self-managed abortion care with pills and/or herbs, and how to avoid surveillance. The only guidebook of its kind, Handbook for a Post-Roe America includes an extensive, detailed resource guide for all pregnant people (whether cis, trans, or non-binary) of clinics, action groups, abortion funds, and practical support groups in each state, so wherever you live, you can get involved.

With a newly right-wing Supreme Court and a Republican Senate, Roe is under threat. Robin Marty observes: "When we say abortion will be illegal in half the states in the nation, we are no longer talking about some hypothetical future—we are talking about just years down the road. We have to act now to secure what access remains, shore up the networks supporting those who need care, and decide what risks we are willing to take to ensure that any person who wants a termination can still end that pregnancy—with or without the government's permission."

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Politics, Audiobook, Activism, Womens, Adult

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2019

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows someone who has had an abortion. An estimated 1 in 3 cisgender women (unfortunately, there is no reliable statistic for trans or non-binary individuals) will have an abortion in their lifetime. Despite being a constitutional right for 46 years, the right to terminate a pregnancy has been systematically undermined through time limits, parental notification, and TRAP laws. Anti-abortion activists and organisations have created terror through the murder of abortion providers, discomforted clinic patients through protests, and coerced women into carrying pregnancies to term at 'crisis pregnancy centers'. And they're winning, slowly but surely. It is possible that we will see the dismantling of Roe v. Wade in the majority of US states in the coming years.

For too long privileged women (who have been able to access abortion without significant legal or socioeconomic barriers) have been complacent about their abortion rights while poor women and women of color have struggled to access the procedure and even been prosecuted for miscarriages and self-induced abortions. Robin Marty is very clear in reminding the reader that abortion rights have not been equally held by all and likely those disparities would continue should Roe fall. She outlines the likely scenarios and what this would mean for abortion access in each state. It's a scary picture.

However, Marty gives us a way forward. She debunks the hasty calls to hoard emergency contraception or start a new "Jane" (see The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service), and suggests other ways in which we can prepare for a future with no Roe. In particular, Marty emphasizes the need to support WOC-led reproductive justice groups and others that provide practical support - transportation, hotels, etc. -to women who need help getting an abortion. There are also guides to obtaining and using medication abortion, encouraging state lawmakers to constitutionally protect abortion, getting legal support in case of judicial action, and protecting yourself from surveillance. Some of this seems extreme, sure, but these are the situations women encountered prior to Roe.

I research abortion rights and policy in an academic setting, and I still learned things from this book. I want to put this in the hands of all people who support Roe - 71% of Americans - to ensure that they are prepared and willing to fight for the right to abortion from here on out.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm honestly terrified about abortion access in the United States (and contraceptive access, etc etc) these days. Robin Marty's earlier book, co-authored with Jessica Pieklo, Crow After Roe: How "Separate But Equal" Has Become the New Standard in Women's Health and How We Can Change That, helped me understand what anti-abortion movements were doing and how they approached their work. In this new book, Robin Marty shifts the focus to our team - the reproductive rights and justice movements. "Handbook" is an accurate term here, since this book instructs us on how to get involved, alongside cautions regarding risks. I'm thrilled that this book exists - it's assuring to know that this kind of instruction is available to all of us, when we need it. It's an essential work right now.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic resource guide for what we can do now to protect abortion access, as well as a plan for an uncertain future. It’s pretty neat we live in a time where mifepristone and misoprostol can be purchased online with relative ease!

A good companion book to read with this would be The Story of Jane, by Laura Kaplan. The author briefly mentioned their work in this book and it was a great example of abortion activist work in action.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth and well-researched guide for a post-Roe America. Marty discusses Roe v. Wade's history, why it was immediately impactful, and the plethora of resources that have sprouted prior to its ruling and after. Not only this, but she urges us to begin thinking seriously about what life will look like in a Post-Roe America. The first edition was written some years ago, and this has been since updated as of 2019. I thought that this was timely, but I balked when looking at my library's ordering pages and saw that there is now a 3rd edition. Books like these take lots of time and effort to research, so I can't say for certainty whether it was Trump appointing 3 Supreme Court Justices that inspired her to offer a 3rd edition, something else, or just a need to update the sources, but it is both a disheartening and embolding project she has taken on.

She offers audiences a long, long list of abortion resources--from clinics, to funds, to places to volunteer. She guides us through her personal experience of being an abortion clinic escort, and how to properly assist patients for whom you have no idea what brought them to this point. Marty details do's and don't's--do, for example, reach out to your local clinic to see what they may need help with; don't show up anyways ready to escort or counter-protest without getting proper clearance. In highly emotional and often volatile situations such as these, it is always best to do what the clinic wants--not what you want to do in good faith.

This, I think, is an absolutely necessary book in any library--whether it be on the shelves for circulation or in a reference section. This handbook is a testament to current-day crowd-funding and activism: where there is a will, there is a way. And always, always, there will be resources.

[Christina Cathcart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodily autonomy is a basic human right. The government has no business forcing anyone to give birth, and yet right-wing politicians have been consistently chipping away at reproductive rights in earnest since 2010. Overwhelmingly restrictive laws being pushed through the courts attempt to make the choice of getting an abortion so difficult that the option remains legal, but completely unattainable.

Read this book if you’re ready to fight back.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you her the chilling phrase "WHEN Roe is overturned..." you know you needed this book, yesterday.

[Susan Tunis · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there is an even newer edition of this book, this OG edition from 2019 is chock full of information. It's not written with any particular style or flair, but if one is looking for serious, actionable advice, it's a fantastic resource. And while it can continue to be updated however many times they want, I don't see the core info of this book becoming dated or useless any time in the foreseeable future.

[Lorelei Ignas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book awhile ago but I’m posting a review now for visibility on my GR TL. A comprehensive, necessary read (or listen! Audiobook is great too!) right now.

[Sereen (TheGood_Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“While this moment may feel like a crisis point, the truth is that for many communities this fight has been going on for decades, even centuries.” (p. 9)

I was able to take advantage of a Valentine's Day giveaway from Seven Stories Press to snag an electronic copy of this book and I am so happy I did. Handbook for a Post-Roe America by Robin Marty is exactly what it sounds like: an up to date handbook of resources for women should our reproductive rights be cut in the United States. This handbook covers everything: the history of reproductive rights in the U.S., a guide for planning for your own reproductive emergencies, ways to safely get involved in the fight for reproductive justice (which is not the same thing as reproductive rights), a state-by-state resource guide of organizations to get in touch with, and much much more. After reading this guide cover to cover, I am left feeling both extremely thankful that this handbook exists and angry that it's so necessary. I hope that this book continues to be updated as new laws are passed and resources become available. Overall, I would rate this book four stars out of five.

[Rift Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past year or so, I've gotten very passionate about reproductive rights. In fact, I took on a project to send a Thank You postcard to each and every independent abortion clinic in the USA... There are just over 100 of them (not including Planned Parenthood) and it took me nine months (heh) to send to them all. And now I'm doing it again, round 2! THANK YOU abortion providers!!!

It scares me that this book needs to be written... but Wow, tons of great information!!

I am lucky to live in a state (Oregon) that has no restrictions on Roe v Wade. But, (writing this in April 2020) Texas has banned abortion in it's covid-19 rules, and several other states are following suit.

*shakes head* Abortions happen. They have always happened, throughout human history. And they will always happen, whether or not they are legal. When abortion is illegal, rich women will be able to get abortions. They are able to travel elsewhere to get a safe abortion. It's the poor people who suffer. In the back alleys, or attempting to self-induce. People die when abortions are made illegal. Which is beyond tragic, because abortion is one of the safest medical procedures there is. And it's safer than bringing the pregnancy to term because maternal mortality in the US is terrible.

Okay. That was my soap box. Read this book! It's good!

[ElphaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable information for an unknown future we are now having to face. Had hoped I wouldn't need to pick this up when I bought it, but here we are.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Sentence Review: If you, or someone you know, has the ability to become pregnant (and may not want to be for whatever reason) - you should read this book.

[Corey Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are dangerous times, with a range of unsettling potential outcomes that are all very real possibilities.
But one of those outcomes - sweeping attacks on reproductive rights, on reproductive justice - is virtually certain.
This is truly a handbook, and an invaluable one. Ms. Marty does not waste time or energy on platitudes or poetry, but rather jumps headlong, without flinching, into some very painful realities, and frightening eventualities. It is far from an easy read, but worth it for folks who are serious about the worst-case-scenarios that lie ahead, and how to navigate them with courage and compassion.

[Rachel Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fantastic in terms breaking down what the average citizen can do if Roe v. Wade is overturned, both to fight for abortion rights at a state and local level, and in terms of civil disobedience. Every pro-choice household should own a copy.

[Owlseyes]

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/24/op...

[Ashley Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative. Really paints the picture at what this country will look like when Roe is overturned. This is going to get dangerous and ugly.

[Jennie Seaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so this book was terrifying. Especially since we are just about to be in post-Roe America. I have started to implement some of the suggestions in this book, though. I think this book is so important for everyone with a uterus. This book covered so much more than just abortion access. Everyone needs to read this!

[Diane Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference for book for how to help ensure safe abortions. Discussed ways to get involved, how to connect with people who’ve been doing the work, organizations to help with via volunteering or donations. This book also,lists plenty of resources to help people get the reproductive health care they need. Obviously, many of these resources are fragile and threatened, but every little bit helps.

Edited 5/5/22: re-upping for visibility, our country is ever more cruel, and delights in punishing women

[Hilary Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really excellent resource for those just entering this fight. For those who have already been working with reproductive justice and freedom groups it's things we already know. Still an excellent guide with MANY resources listed by state.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot of good information in here.

[S. Wigget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is indeed a handbook, and a very timely and important one. It includes, among other things, organizations listed by state.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

For now, abortion is legal in all 50 states. But the fall of the Roe v. Wade decision is a very definite possibility and, meanwhile, state by state, harsher antiabortion laws are being set in place. Many others have already passed and would be triggered by the fall of Roe. This book is an essential reference for anyone who is concerned: people who might seek an abortion for themselves or a loved one; advocates and activists who want to keep abortion safe and accessible; health care providers and mental health care providers; and people who want to offer help to those seeking abortions. This book gives practical how-tos for every situation, from the smallest gesture--Where should I make a donation?--to organizing--How do I advocate for abortion access on a local level?--to civil disobedience--How can I help someone obtain abortion pills and minimize my legal risk?--to learning to perform abortions as the group Jane did in the 1960s and '70s (equipment diagrams included). Not a word is wasted, and references to organizations, websites, and books are given throughout. The last third or more of the book is a resource guide with contact information for clinics and organizations throughout the country and model legislation. I can't recommend this book highly enough right now (2019).

[Allison Beaufort · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook, in part because it was so short - most recently I listened to an audiobook which was 20 hours long and another which was 11, and this one was only 5.5 hours. However, it was difficult to get through this one, primarily because the narrator was not engaging, and it wound up taking me nearly three months to just finish it.

The dates itself by referencing events like the approval of Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice (which is not, by a long shot, the sole reason for Roe's overturn - if it was going to reference history, it could have provided a more detailed understanding of the political dynamics in the country). A more updated version would probably be useful, as a chapter on trigger laws which have already been invoked reads more like the news of the past year - we have been there and done that (and several chapters read in such a way).

That said, I did take some useful notes from the book, and it is relevant in what is now a post-Roe America. Over a year out, it did accurately predict much of what the reproductive landscape might look like post-Roe.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is smaller than it seems, because it is packed with resources and references for every state. Beyond that it is matter of fact, realistic, and does not pretend that the work to keep abortion access just started. She makes a point of calling out over and over again that people have been doing the work for decades before now, but that we've gotten to a time when people who may have not felt themselves to be affected by bans (read wealthy, white, CA/NY, etc etc) are now preparing to fight and then lays out all the ways to learn, help and fight.

And she acknowledges and works through all our 3am eureka moments, e.g. I'm going to fill a closet with Plan B and be my own pharmacy!, and why they might not be the most practical or beneficial ideas.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly detailed guide.

With website links and current abortion laws by state, this is a pretty comprehensive book. It talks about the importance of being prepared when Roe v. Wade is overturned and what that means. It breaks information down by state and talks about ways people can be allies to protect access to safe abortions.

I'm concerned with most of the resources being websites how well this book will age. Also as the book talks about when Wade is overturned, accessing a source like this could be dangerous and illegal and those seeking to have control over their family planning could have trouble accessing this resource.

It reminds us of the importance of protecting a woman's right to her health and safety and ways to do so.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gets four stars just for existing. This is very much a resource guide and a true handbook on how to terminate a pregnancy in a United States where abortion is either illegal or nearly impossible to access in most of the country. It’s very practical and focuses heavily on logistics.

The book is filled with pages and pages of resources. So there are a lot of lists. A lot of web addresses and emails. Might seem weird to put in a book what you can easily find online, but as Marty explains, there may come a time when you’ll be glad to have hard copies of this information. (Did I mention this book includes instructions for performing abortions at home?)

Yep, I’ll be hanging on to this one till I’m dead.

[Beth Bissmeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Roe v. Wade being overturned seems unfathomable for some, there are many activists and organizations who have been preparing for this possibility for decades. Robin Marty's book provides a thorough guide for how people can act now to protect abortion access and what people can do to navigate a possible future without legal abortion. Alongside crucial information, Marty also provides history and context to how we got here. It's a book I hope we never need, but I'm sure grateful it exists. (To learn how you can support reproductive justice work in Kentucky, visit https://www.kentuckyhealthjusticenetw...).

[Alorah Welti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is very helpful, but I wanted more from this book. The resources are good, but I felt that Marty didn't write enough of her own information. If there ever is restrictions for abortion information this book would not be a resource for self-induced abortions, or how to start a Jane organization. This is a valuable resource for information about online presence and organizing safely online. Other than that, this is more of a gateway book to explore the subjects she spoke about in more detail.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real handbook of how to approach abortion in an era when access is increasingly restricted. It is not a set of essays or stories. It describes very practical matters - how to get an abortion, how to support women and organizations that provide abortions, and how to be an activist. It lists numerous organizations which provide services or support reproductive justice.
There is an updated edition of this book, called The New Handbook for a Post-Roe America. It was released in March 2021 and has a blue cover.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible handbook to have, especially for those trying to figure out where to start to join, support, or otherwise take advantage longstanding networks and resources for reproductive rights and justice (and not reinvent the wheel). I listened to the audiobook from the library which was not the best vehicle for this particular book as it is meant to be more of a reference guide, but I will probably pick up a hard copy just to have.