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Choice Words: A Collection of Writing About Abortion
hoice Words: A collection of writing about abortion is a cri de coeur; a passionate appeal from writers, thinkers, musicians, actors, comedians, activists and political staffers, offering personal stories of abortion alongside historical records and political anecdotes.
At a time when abortion is a criminal act and prosecution is a real risk in parts of Australia, this book is needed more than ever. In 2018, the world watched aghast when a Tasmanian woman lost her job at a high-profile sporting agency for tweeting the truth: even in states where abortion is legal, access can be nearly impossible.
This treasury of stories highlights the sheer, unspoken commonality of abortion. Women have been dealing with the risks and the fall-out for longer than there is record. It is poignant, wise, funny and true; a salute to those who have been working in the field, a celebration of how far we've come, an electrifying caterwaul at how far we still have to go, and a clarion call to action.
Contributors include Jane Caro, Claudia Karvan, Laura Jean, Melissa Lucashenko, Emily Maguire, Tara June Winch, Michelle Law, Tony Birch, Melanie Cheng, Anne Summers, Gideon Haigh, Monica Dux, Bri Lee, Jenny Kee, and a Foreword by Tanya Plibersek. Proceeds from Choice Words will go to the charity Marie Stopes Australia, the only national, independently-accredited, not-for-profit safe abortion provider, that has helped more than 600,000 women in the past twenty years.
At a time when abortion is a criminal act and prosecution is a real risk in parts of Australia, this book is needed more than ever. In 2018, the world watched aghast when a Tasmanian woman lost her job at a high-profile sporting agency for tweeting the truth: even in states where abortion is legal, access can be nearly impossible.
This treasury of stories highlights the sheer, unspoken commonality of abortion. Women have been dealing with the risks and the fall-out for longer than there is record. It is poignant, wise, funny and true; a salute to those who have been working in the field, a celebration of how far we've come, an electrifying caterwaul at how far we still have to go, and a clarion call to action.
Contributors include Jane Caro, Claudia Karvan, Laura Jean, Melissa Lucashenko, Emily Maguire, Tara June Winch, Michelle Law, Tony Birch, Melanie Cheng, Anne Summers, Gideon Haigh, Monica Dux, Bri Lee, Jenny Kee, and a Foreword by Tanya Plibersek. Proceeds from Choice Words will go to the charity Marie Stopes Australia, the only national, independently-accredited, not-for-profit safe abortion provider, that has helped more than 600,000 women in the past twenty years.
376 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2019
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304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 2, 2021
My pick for the 2021 Popsugar reading challenge prompt “A book about a subject you are passionate about”.
‘But in no chamber of my soul is there an inkling of regret at ending a pregnancy I did not want and if I hadn’t had the legal choice to end it at the Royal Women’s I’d have done it anyway, I’d have rolled down a flight of stairs, I’d have seen a dodgy doctor, I’d have drunk poison, I’d have done it all, and I might have died trying’ - Ellena Savage.
This is a heavy, but much needed book. Sometimes I find this issue (like many, many other issues) to be so eclipsed by the American influence on Australian society that many people have no fucking clue what the actual laws are here, so it was really great to read Australian perspectives. While it is a bit out of date (it was published prior to decriminalisation of abortion in NSW), it’s still recent enough that it holds up, and has a good balance of information on the laws of Australia (broken down by state), personal experience and history. While I agree with some other reviewers that a little bit of editing on the order of the pieces would have greatly helped to avoid repetition and create a slightly better flow, if I was given the choice I’d put it on the essential reading list for school kids.
Particular stand outs for me were the pieces by Laura Jean (can someone please get this woman out of my head? I so deeply resonated with her it scared me a little), Melissa Lucashenko, Ellena Savage and (completely unsurprisingly) Tara June Winch.
‘Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all the men and the women who made that procedure possible. Thank you.’ - Claudia Karven.
‘But in no chamber of my soul is there an inkling of regret at ending a pregnancy I did not want and if I hadn’t had the legal choice to end it at the Royal Women’s I’d have done it anyway, I’d have rolled down a flight of stairs, I’d have seen a dodgy doctor, I’d have drunk poison, I’d have done it all, and I might have died trying’ - Ellena Savage.
This is a heavy, but much needed book. Sometimes I find this issue (like many, many other issues) to be so eclipsed by the American influence on Australian society that many people have no fucking clue what the actual laws are here, so it was really great to read Australian perspectives. While it is a bit out of date (it was published prior to decriminalisation of abortion in NSW), it’s still recent enough that it holds up, and has a good balance of information on the laws of Australia (broken down by state), personal experience and history. While I agree with some other reviewers that a little bit of editing on the order of the pieces would have greatly helped to avoid repetition and create a slightly better flow, if I was given the choice I’d put it on the essential reading list for school kids.
Particular stand outs for me were the pieces by Laura Jean (can someone please get this woman out of my head? I so deeply resonated with her it scared me a little), Melissa Lucashenko, Ellena Savage and (completely unsurprisingly) Tara June Winch.
‘Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all the men and the women who made that procedure possible. Thank you.’ - Claudia Karven.
August 5, 2019
I would say that this needs to be the school curriculum but I imagine that will never happen because too many parents are delusional to what their teenagers are seeing and hearing or should know. So buy this for your teenagers is my recommendation. Buy it for your friends. Buy it for your daughters or the young women in your life. Buy it and throw it at men who think they are allowed to have an opinion on anyone's uterus. Here's looking at you, Barnaby Joyce, you don't get to decide what women can or cannot do with their body simply because you couldn't keep your dick in your pants and had an affair and am now so grateful for your son.
ANYWAY. This is a gorgeous collection. From Claudia Karvan's short experience to Maxine Beneba Clarke's look at the cultural differences at how we view women of colour getting abortions (and now's a good time to point out that plenty of women of colour still are being sterilised against their will in first world countries) and then there's Shirley Barrett's look at historical abortions in Sydney (so many euphemisms for abortion I didn't even know existed) and Rosie Waterland's concerns over extreme morning sickness being dismissed (turns out she had the same thing Princess Kate had and that it's serious). There's a double page spread dedicated to the different laws across the different states because of course NSW likes to live in the dark ages but that's also informative and fascinating and it's even more impactful later on when you read the piece by Bri Lee, where a woman scouting locations across Australia struggles to find the time and the right corresponding state laws to have a termination.
This is truely a fantastic read and full of wonderful contributions.
ANYWAY. This is a gorgeous collection. From Claudia Karvan's short experience to Maxine Beneba Clarke's look at the cultural differences at how we view women of colour getting abortions (and now's a good time to point out that plenty of women of colour still are being sterilised against their will in first world countries) and then there's Shirley Barrett's look at historical abortions in Sydney (so many euphemisms for abortion I didn't even know existed) and Rosie Waterland's concerns over extreme morning sickness being dismissed (turns out she had the same thing Princess Kate had and that it's serious). There's a double page spread dedicated to the different laws across the different states because of course NSW likes to live in the dark ages but that's also informative and fascinating and it's even more impactful later on when you read the piece by Bri Lee, where a woman scouting locations across Australia struggles to find the time and the right corresponding state laws to have a termination.
This is truely a fantastic read and full of wonderful contributions.
July 11, 2020
had to skip a few pieces that are quite dry & repetitive but vvvvv insightful nonetheless! in line with the current birth control opt-out case in US, thought I'd share this amazing tweet: "Wait so they don’t want abortion and they also don’t want birth control. But they also don’t want to help children out after they are born and give better education,health care, school lunches, better housing etc. so white men just want everyone to fail basically" by @tusmadres
February 26, 2022
I thought this was a fabulous collection which, with 34 different contributors, covered a lot of ground. There's historical and legal contexts as well as lots of personal stories, narrative and poems. Some very illuminating recollections and different experiences of and with abortion. Highly recommend, and good on Marie Stopes international for getting it together. We need these stories told
September 6, 2025
Rating: 4 stars
Great written collection from Doctors & journalists/authors. A pro-choice collection written by some who have lived experience of abortion. I enjoyed thoroughly the exploration of women’s historical (lack of) access to abortion, the history of decriminalising abortion in Australia and late introduction to medical abortions. I think the book highlights the gaps to service provision of abortion services in regional and rural areas, critically examines the inaccessibility of reproductive services (either due to lack of providers, or expenses associated with abortion). Incredibly informative!
Great written collection from Doctors & journalists/authors. A pro-choice collection written by some who have lived experience of abortion. I enjoyed thoroughly the exploration of women’s historical (lack of) access to abortion, the history of decriminalising abortion in Australia and late introduction to medical abortions. I think the book highlights the gaps to service provision of abortion services in regional and rural areas, critically examines the inaccessibility of reproductive services (either due to lack of providers, or expenses associated with abortion). Incredibly informative!
September 14, 2019
Such a necessary book, sadly. I have learnt so much in this collection - history of laws and access in Australia, the current very different state laws throughout Australia, making access to a choice for women dependent on state, date and how much money she may have.
This collection has pieces - essays, researched articles, personal accounts, poetry, and stories - from so many favourite authors. The scope of people and perspectives brings home how common place seeking an abortion is, despite it being a fairly taboo subject.
The notion that a medical need is not accessible to everyone who may need it is mind blowing, in this so-called progressive country on women's rights. NSW still has a fight to amend the very out-dated legislation.
This anthology has you sit up and take notice of the intricacies of the issue of access to abortion in Australia, for those of us currently outside of the 1 in 3 women in Australia who will seek an abortion.
The power is in the telling, with many prominent and much loved women here telling their stories.
This collection has pieces - essays, researched articles, personal accounts, poetry, and stories - from so many favourite authors. The scope of people and perspectives brings home how common place seeking an abortion is, despite it being a fairly taboo subject.
The notion that a medical need is not accessible to everyone who may need it is mind blowing, in this so-called progressive country on women's rights. NSW still has a fight to amend the very out-dated legislation.
This anthology has you sit up and take notice of the intricacies of the issue of access to abortion in Australia, for those of us currently outside of the 1 in 3 women in Australia who will seek an abortion.
The power is in the telling, with many prominent and much loved women here telling their stories.
Read
July 21, 2020An interesting collection with a mix of shocking, entertaining, and informative contributions. Something that I found interesting was that a couple of contributors wrote about being overseas and feeling grateful for how much better we had it in Australia. As a Queenslander, reading a book published in 2018, I found this strange. I then realised those writers were from Victoria, so had quite a limited view of how 'lucky' we are. Conversely, several chapters covered in great detail the struggle for decriminalisation in Queensland and NSW and how poor service provision still is in most of Australia. It's definitely worth remembering for those in Melbourne that few enjoy the same 'lucky' access, and also that abortion services provision did not come about through luck but through the hard and long struggle detailed in this book.
July 27, 2020
This is good and necessary. I’m increasingly becoming disillusioned with the law and the implementation of its practice, though I know I remain optimistic for the future. The anthology could’ve been tighter - part of me would have liked the pieces to be grouped thematically - but I guess this is the point. There are so many important perspectives and voices on abortion rights and reproductive freedom since it touches all of our lives in some way and spans across economic, social, civil and individual liberties, where these freedoms are inextricably intertwined.
October 24, 2024
Could not put it down
April 24, 2019
At a time when abortion is still a criminal act in some parts of Australia, and near impossible to get in others, Choice Words is a plea from writers, activists, politicians and more to speak out. It is a collection of stories of people’s experiences of abortion. From doctors talking about the medical practice behind it, to historic recounts of what abortion used to look like, and stories of people getting abortions.
This book really opened my eyes. I had no idea that, in Australia, it is still illegal to get abortions. And while it’s not something that is prosecuted regularly, it is still something that COULD happen. I was fascinated reading these stories. Some broke my heart, some made me angry and some inspired me to want to do something to help. Would highly recommend giving it a read!
This book really opened my eyes. I had no idea that, in Australia, it is still illegal to get abortions. And while it’s not something that is prosecuted regularly, it is still something that COULD happen. I was fascinated reading these stories. Some broke my heart, some made me angry and some inspired me to want to do something to help. Would highly recommend giving it a read!
December 29, 2020
Upon first hearing about this book, I assumed it would be a collection of writings of specific individuals experience of abortion. But this book is so much more than that. The personal stories sit alongside historical records, political perspectives, experiences of health professionals who provide and advocate for reproductive rights, as well as poems, creative writings and comics. Bringing abortion into mainstream healthcare and mainstream conversation is imperative and this anthology has certainly done it's part it starting the discussion. I just wish more people would read it. This is not a book for women, it's a book for ALL people, to better understand why rights for reproductive autonomy are so important, to see where we have come from and to appreciate how far we still have to go.
January 18, 2025
Another really important read, in my possibly biast feminist opinion. Choice Words is a collection of Australian writings about abortion comprised of 34 short stories and narratives, published in 2018 when Abortion still wasn't legal in every state of Australia yet. I really enjoyed the variety of historical education, personal experiences and professional opinions, I learnt a lot from this book and it made me really greatful for how accessible and safe Abortions now are for a middle class Australian woman. We still have a long long way to go but I think being educated on the issues is a damn good place to start. An empowering read.
July 31, 2019
An eye-opener. This book really challenged me. It made me angry, and sad, and downright outraged at the current archaic laws in Australia. Something needs to be done about it, and the voices in this book need and DESERVE to be heard. Every woman needs to read this... Actually, men need to read this too. Everyone please read this!! If you're passionate about abortion rights and/or are pro-choice, or even if you aren't, do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of Choice Words. You'll cry and you'll want to throw the book across the room, but it's worth it.
October 2, 2019
This provided such a great insight into the abortion debate and services provided for women in Australia. So many perspectives in this book: Medical, Judicial, historical, personal experiences, fictional short stories, poems and interesting, new arguments I haven't heard or thought of before.
Some pieces were better than others, so it's not quite a five-star read for me but I loved this thought provoking collection on abortion. Highly recommend!
Some pieces were better than others, so it's not quite a five-star read for me but I loved this thought provoking collection on abortion. Highly recommend!
December 21, 2020
An interesting, sometimes harrowing, read. A diverse collection of writing on abortion - some writers talk about their own experiences, others create fiction, others produce historical accounts. It can be very heavy reading, but shows abortion for what it is - a reproductive right that allows women to continue healthy, happy lives. Published prior to the decriminalisation of abortion in New South Wales, Australia.
February 8, 2022
What an incredible collection of essays and other writings about the topic of abortion. If I could give this 10 stars I would. I borrowed as a library book, but will be ordering my own copy. Well done to all the contributors for a fantastic anthology that speaks to history, access, politics, choices, and the future of abortion care. So good to read work based in Australian context, as so much as abortion literature is based in the United States.
Fantastic.
Fantastic.
August 20, 2023
A really important book. I came to the book wanting lived experience voices to be at the forefront. While predominantly the case, I felt that the balance between chapters based on lived experience and chapters on law/ policy were a bit unbalanced, as going from an emotive retelling of someones stoty straight into a dense chapter of the legal landscape took me out of the moment. Overall, very good!
April 28, 2019
Perfectly balanced between facts and anecdotes. So heartbreaking but goes to show there is so much work to be done in Australia. A great read for anyone wanting to educate themselves on the matter.
November 23, 2019
I could of done without the political and legal diatribes. The personal stories and thoughts were thought provoking, illuminating and moving.
September 6, 2021
“Our wombs are not terra nullius”
An incredibly important read for any Australian.
An incredibly important read for any Australian.
February 22, 2024
Caddyshack three word review:
Weighty, needed & insightful
Weighty, needed & insightful
May 5, 2019
Authentic, important, compulsory
Read the book , read the reviews written by women.
Read the book , read the reviews written by women.
Read the book , read the reviews written by women.
Read the book , read the reviews written by women.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews