Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom

by Kathryn Kolbert, Julie F. Kay

This definitive account of the battle for reproductive freedom includes a bold new strategy to safeguard our rights, from two lawyers at the forefront of the movement.

Reproductive freedom has never been in more dire straits. Roe v. Wade protected abortion rights and Planned Parenthood v. Casey unexpectedly preserved them. Yet in the following decades these rights have been gutted by restrictive state legislation, the appointment of hundreds of anti-abortion judges, and violence against abortion providers. Today, the ultra-conservative majority at the Supreme Court has activists, medical providers, and everyday Americans worry that we are about to lose our most fundamental reproductive protections.

When Roe is toppled, abortion may quickly become a criminal offense in nearly one-third of the United States. At least six states have enacted bans on abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy—before many women are even aware they are pregnant. Today, 89% of U.S. counties do not have a single abortion provider, in part due to escalating violence and intimidation aimed at disrupting services. We should all be free to make these personal and private decisions that affect our lives and wellbeing without government interference or bias, but we can no longer depend on Roe v. Wade and the federal courts to preserve our liberties.

Legal titans Kathryn Kolbert and Julie F. Kay share the story of one of the most divisive issues in American politics through behind-the-scenes personal narratives of stunning losses, hard-earned victories, and moving accounts of women and health care providers at the heart of nearly five decades of legal battles. At this make-or-break moment for legal abortion in the United States, Kolbert and Kay propose audacious new strategies inspired by medical advances, state-level protections, human rights models, and activists across the globe whose courage and determination are making a difference. 

No more banging our heads against the Court’s marble walls. It is time for a new direction.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Social Justice, Activism, Womens

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 13, 2021

Reviews

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Controlling Women is part memoir, part history, and part social science. Mostly, it made me angry, not at the authors but at the male-dominated system intent on controlling even the most personal facets of a woman’s body and life.

The two authors are lawyers who’ve been working on the forefront of women’s rights for decades. With this book, they take us on their journey from the early struggles of Roe vs. Wade to our current fight to maintain that ruling.

Within the legal history, the authors also share stories of women who’ve been caught in the maelstrom, forced to plead for the right to manage their own bodies, and suffered both emotionally and physically because of it.

This book isn’t solely for those who are pro choice. The authors explain how we got here and why, and it’s that “why” that every woman should be concerned with.

*I received an ARC from Hachette Books.*

[High Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book American women have been waiting for. A comprehensive recent history from the sources on the front lines. I could not put it down. It’s both infuriating and exciting! It just may usher in an entire new era in American (and hopefully International) women’s equity and equality. I know “must read” is a cliche, but it fits. If you are wondering what the hell is wrong with this country, this book is the place to start. It’s brave, it’s written in conversational language, and it’s got me excited to work together with other good people of all stripes to get American women and people of all gender identities the privacy, sanity, equality, equity and fairness that is long overdue and is under threat in a time like no other. A worthwhile buy that will hold a place of privilege on your book shelf as a piece of working his(her)story. Breathtaking, and the only thing I can think is why has this book taken so long to be written? The answer is - the authors have been busy! You’ll see. There is a lot to learn and even more to be done, but this book gives me hope, something hard to come by these days. Read it. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have whittled the backlog of reviews down to the current month! Look at me go!

OK, where to even begin with this book. If you are a woman or person of reproductive capability, or know or love one of those people, or even just care about other humans and their bodily autonomy, this book is a must read.

It outlines the concerted and very calculated and LONG GAME attacks on reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy throughout America's history, though focuses most heavily on the years directly preceding the Roe v Wade decision, and the decades since it.

As I often do with books like these, I wished (as I was listening) for an update from the authors post-Dobbs... but as I got to the end, I realized that I didn't need one and it doesn't matter. They saw it coming, and outlined what we must do, and it's what we already know:
Vote for people at EVERY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT who will fight for and protect reproductive choice, healthcare access, birth control access, education, clinics, etc.

I was chatting with a friend today and mentioned the attack on women's reproductive rights that's ongoing, and my friend (a woman with two kids) said that she doesn't think that there's any "attack" going on, just that people are adamant that life begins with conception and they feel like they are saving children, which she agrees with. I replied that it would be easier to believe that was the case if we weren't now seeing the attempts to ban birth control and emergency contraceptives too.

So... read this book. It's important. We need to understand how we got here to know how we don't end up in Gilead.

[Mackenzie (taleswithtank) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much denser than I had initially anticipated. I enjoyed the emphasis on women of color and how reproductive rights specifically impact them as that is a vital part of this work. Admittedly, I did not know many of the specifics of Roe v Wade or about the other pivotal legislation so this book very informative; however, I expected the language and writing to be more accessible.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I learned is that abortion was legal in the 1700's when the Constitution was written! Otherwise, I already knew most of the history of abortion and abortion rights. However, I was very impressed with the writing and achievements of the authors and I appreciated the list of suggestions at the end of the book as well as a wonderful quote from Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman's life, to her well-being and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself. When the government controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a full adult human responsible for her own choices.

I heartily agree.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bulk of this book is about legal battles, which I realize might not appeal to all readers, but I found it fascinating. The book was published before Roe was overturned but it’s written with the understanding that it was inevitable following the handmaid’s appointment to the Supreme Court.

I didn’t find the last few chapters, presumably action steps, as compelling since a lot of it seemed out of reach for the immediate future and dealt with a lot of other social issues.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Not too technical. Engaging. A call to action. Lots of general information that everyone should read.

[enchantingprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very factual and no frills.

Written by two lawyers that want to see the law stay in favor of women.

Book releases July 13th and it’s the perfect ammunition needed for this conversation topic. - knowledge

[Rubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una bien documentada y explicada línea de tiempo sobre la lucha del derecho a decidir sobre nuestros cuerpos en Estados Unidos e Irlanda; celebro a éstas mujeres que nos han allanado el camino, que levantan la voz y que nos brindan ejemplo de cómo podemos aportar a la lucha. El aborto es un derecho humano, el aborto es un derecho de la mujer y ningún depredador sexual, misógino o fanático religioso debería tener derecho a decidir sobre el cuerpo de la mujer sin importar su estatus político; mi cuerpo, mi decisión.
A well documented and explained timeline of the fight for the right to decide over our bodies in the United States and Ireland; I celebrate these women who have paved the way for us, who raise their voices and who give us an example of how we can contribute to the fight. Abortion is a human right, abortion is a woman's right, and no sexual predator, misogynist, or religious fanatic should have the right to decide over a woman's body regardless of her political status; my body, my decision.

[Lawren M. Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a goodreads giveaway and I'm glad I got to read it. I've always been interested in the politics of healthcare especially reproductive and women's health. This book has a plethora of information about the law, current issues and ways to help in the fight to preserve rights to quality health care regardless of your socioeconomic status, age, ethnicity, religion, etc. The only part of the book that threw me off was the chapter on Ireland and international reproductive laws. Besides that one piece, this book is a great read. 

[Richard Carilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Critical Score: 4.25
Personal Score: 4.25
Total Score: 8.5

[Everydayreader1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in human rights, women's rights, reproductive rights and social justice, this is a must read. I highly recommend this book. It's a great resource, and also a great evocative work on mapping out current and future strategies for future action on gender equity.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE primer for anyone following the next round of reproductive health cases going to the Supreme Court. We need to know where we have been to fight on.

[Joann Hyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read if you want to know what you can do in your state after the US Supreme Court reverses Roe and each state is free to pass its own abortions bans or restrictions. It’s scary, but there is room for hope when you read what already is happening to protect reproductive freedom in states like Oregon and Colorado.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as a free arc from Hachette books. This is an excellent and very readable history of abortion rights, which will probably make you angry. It focuses on those most affected by abortion restrictions and how those restrictions disproportionately effect them. It was somewhat depressing and you are left feeling somewhat hopeless at the overwhelming challenge women’s rights have with today’s Supreme Court, but the last few chapters outline things that can be done, so there is some hope for the future.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entire US political system is insane.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I read and didn't update right away so can't remember exactly when I finished.

If you want some hard facts about women's reproductive rights, read this book. The authors are the attorneys who have been on the front lines of this battle in various ways since almost nearly when it began. They present how various laws have been eroding the rights of women with respect to abortion for years, making the reversal of Roe vs Wade more administrative than practical. Some examples - states that require consent from husbands or parents, that require waiting time, that won't permit doctors to train in supporting medicine, that make any/all of these services not covered by state/government medical care - so women who are dependent on those services don't even have the option.

Most women I know are fully capable of making decisions for themselves; whether you agree or not with their decision shouldn't make it your or the government's decision. It's even more insulting when a man is assumed competent to make that decision and a woman is not, even if it's her body.

Along with the legal history, there are stories of women who’ve been caught in the middle of the right, who are forced to plead for the right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, and have suffered emotionally and physically because of it.

As mentioned by another reviewer - "this book isn’t solely for those who are pro-choice. The authors explain how we got here and why, and it’s that “why” that every woman should be concerned with."

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a history of pro-choice America, in great detail (too much for anyone besides a hardcore prochoice activist). So important.

[ASC Library]

362.1988 Kol

[Mary Gwynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book by Kolbert and Kay, both top reproductive rights lawyers, who argued two of the most influential abortion cases. They tell us how we got here, why abortion is such a hot button political issue, how women are kept down by it, and what we can do now! Highly recommend.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Supreme Court's draft decision in Dobbs was leaked, I read an article recommending books that focus on the history or future of reproductive rights. Controlling Women appealed to me because it was so recently written and appeared to be written from the perspective that we cannot rely on the judiciary to create a right because Roe would eventually be struck down and that we must firmly establish it within our legislation. I wanted to read something that was geared towards forming real solutions to the inevitable backsliding our country would do as opposed to hopefully written about how we might stave off the end of Roe.

I found Controlling Women to be informative and well-compiled. I appreciated the firsthand perspectives from those who have battled and won against anti-abortion policies both here and abroad. It was clearly written and easy to understand, while still providing a ton of background on the issue of reproductive rights.

Suprisingly, the part I found most disappointing was the "how do we move forward post-Roe" section. Obviously, solutions are the most difficult part of any societal issue and it would be silly to expect the authors of this book to solve what activists have been fighting an uphill battle against for decades. It wasn't so much that I didn't think the authors had good ideas (they did, to some extent) but the way the wrote about it. They sort of flippantly addressed women living in deep red states in a "sucks-to-be-you" manner. Their suggestion was to get out and be vocal and let your voice be heard, a ridiculous suggestion considering they spent the entire book acknowledging that this is largely a class issue and that deep red states have by and large disenfranchised the poorest constituents. The flip side of this is that they said women in "trifecta blue states" (whatever this means?) would bear the burden of supporting women who do not have access, but they didn't really expand on how those women could do that in any concrete way.

What I did appreciate towards the end was the way they covered initiatives that have been successful in the US and abroad and the organizational resources available to women in the US now living in a post-Roe world.

This was a worth-while read and I am glad to have read it but found it lacking in really laying out our path forward.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi! Let me start off by saying that my review here will be very short but I just started and have posted a longer review there if you want to check it out! I'll be posting more book reviews as soon as I can so stay tuned there. For some reason I can't figure out to link the blog to a words so I'll just paste it here in case anyone's interested!

https://volumes-of-value.blogspot.com...

Alright moving on from my shameless plug :) :
I rated Controlling Women 4.5 out of five stars. Overall it was an informative read, and not a too long one at that, but it wasn't perfect. As someone who has no experience reading about laws it can be a little sluggish to get through at parts but it is also full of anecdotes and good writing to balance it out. Despite all the legal talk, I would recommend, just keep in mind it is not at gender-inclusive as it claims to be (I touch on that a little more in my review), just in case someone wanted to know before starting.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been on my TBR since it was published in summer 2021, but obviously with Roe v. Wade being overturned this year and all female reproductive laws changing, it became higher priority.

Kolbert & Kay (the authors) are both experienced lawyers in reproductive rights. Each chapter was well written with sources cited. It started with how women gradually got to the point of Roe v. Wade and how we got to 2022 and the pendulum swing back to the wrong side for women. It makes me sad that this book was written and published in a time when we could have taken action. Now that laws are becoming so much more restrictive to women, it is much more challenging to get changes made.

An extremely well written book on such a critical topic. Highly recommend.

Thanks to San Diego County Library for the digital audio version via Libby app.

[Audio: 9 hours, 30 minutes]

[Cristina Spurlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the telling of stories of women who fought against oppressive laws, this book details the history and social realities of the reproductive health system in the US. It outlines how we got in the political position we are in today and the ways in which we can move forward towards reproductive freedom. Though written before the fall of Roe it describes a world in which Roe would fall and action steps we need to take to save our freedoms.

It’s hard reading a book and seeing injustice after injustice passed into law, outlined in such a succinct manner. Motivating though, seeing the rise of movements of women and allies unapologetically pushing against those who limit their freedoms and wellbeing. With every book I learn more and more about what those who came before us went through and how we can do this!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors are lawyers who have been in the thick of the abortion fight, here and in Ireland, for decades. They have spoken before the Supreme Court and participated in rallies and protests. This is an excellent history of the abortion fight. It also explains what can happen now that the Biden administration is in power. The second half of the book I found less interesting, because it isn’t my chosen field for activism. It is extremely important of course. I simply feel that Climate Change is more fundamental. I question their enthusiasm for an gender equity amendment. It seems like quite a reach and an effort that could be completely subverted by the far right. Highly recommended for info on the need for and current status of the abortion rights field.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important primer to read and understand the recent history of reproductive justice and injustice in the United States, particularly as related to the legal history and the cases that built and are attempting to destroy the human rights of people with uteruses. There are many more important pieces I want to read on this topic, particularly those outlining the intersectional challenges being faced and more personal anecdotes (I already have a book on hold with this topic) but read this to be enraged and also inspired.

[Amna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an informative history and overview of global efforts to restrict women’s reproductive freedoms and the court cases that have resulted in the past 6-7 decades in the U.S. I only took a star off because I found some of the legal sections quite dense and difficult to get through and I wish the authors would have made these parts more accessible for readers that don’t have a background in law.

[Cindy Pipkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads like a text book. It doesn’t excite me with its melody. It has facts without enough anecdotes to entice me to read. It didn’t engage me. I read it but I had to strain to pay attention and follow through to get the meaning of each page. I like the 10 important ideas she gives us at the end. Action steps for reclaiming abortion rights. I’m glad this book was written but I didn’t enjoy the read.

[Teishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another important book that everyone - red or blue, or however you identify in between - should read.

“Young women need to know that abortion rights and abortion access are not presents bestowed or retracted by powerful men or women, presidents, Supreme Court justices, legislators, but freedoms won, as freedom always is, by people struggling on their own behalf.”

Katha Pollitt, journalist and author


Audiobook.

[Reca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway and I finally found the time to sit down with this one. It was written before the overturn of Roe, but talks about what could have changed quickly which we have seen happen. This book is part history, part memoir and part how to take action. If you are someone concerned with reproductive freedom, I highly recommend this book.