Non-fiction

Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win

Name: Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win
Author: Jessica Valenti

Jessica Valenti

27 minAudio9 insights

What you'll learn

•The medical facts and realities of abortion and its safety.
•The widespread public support for abortion rights across demographics.
•How language and misinformation are used to manipulate public opinion and policy.
•The covert and overt attacks on birth control access and reproductive health.
•The criminalization of pregnancy outcomes and its impact on marginalized communities.
•The broader societal and democratic implications of abortion bans.
•How to critically engage with abortion-related political and media narratives.

Who should read this

✓Activists and advocates for reproductive rights
✓Students and educators in gender and health studies
✓Policymakers and legal professionals
✓General readers seeking to understand abortion politics

About this book

A powerful, comprehensive exploration of abortion rights, misinformation, and the fight for reproductive freedom in post-Roe America.

Did You Know?

“

More than 80% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in some or all circumstances.

Audio Summary

Section 1

Abortion is a Proactive Moral Good: Understanding Its Reality and Importance

3:45

9 Sections

Preview: Abortion is a Proactive Moral Good: Understanding Its Reality and Importance

As we begin this journey through the complex and often misunderstood world of abortion, it's vital to start with a truth that is both simple and profound: abortion is not a tragedy, nor a necessary evil. It is a proactive moral good. This means it actively enables people to control their own bodies, their futures, and ultimately, their lives. For decades, abortion has been framed apologetically, with politicians and advocates often softening their language to avoid controversy. But this caution has done little to protect rights and much to concede ground to opponents who paint abortion as shameful or regrettable.

Consider the reality that over 80 percent of Americans do not want the government making decisions about pregnancy at all. Despite this, extreme abortion bans are sweeping across the country, passed against the clear wishes of the majority. It begs the question: why are those elected to protect us so silent or timid?

Abortion is a medical intervention to end a pregnancy for any reason. It can be medication-based—using pills at home—or procedural, involving various safe techniques depending on the pregnancy stage. Most abortions happen early; 93 percent occur before 13 weeks. And the safety record is impeccable. Women are more likely to have complications from a wisdom tooth extraction than from an abortion.

But beyond safety and statistics, abortion is deeply personal and transformative. Think of a woman whose abortion allowed her to pursue education, career, or start a family when the time was right. The author shares her own story: her abortion made possible the life she leads today, the family she cherishes. Abortion is not an ending; it is often the beginning of something new and beautiful.

Yet, the stakes are high. Denying abortion has devastating consequences—women forced to carry unwanted pregnancies face increased poverty, health risks, and often must stay with abusive partners. The Turnaway Study, a landmark research project, reveals these harsh realities with clarity and compassion.

As we move forward, keep this foundational understanding in mind: abortion is essential, safe, common, and a force for freedom. This truth will guide us through the political battles, the language wars, and the cultural struggles that follow.

Next, we will explore how this overwhelmingly popular and supported freedom is under attack, and how the political landscape shapes the fight for reproductive rights.