Investigative journalist looks at abortion rights in new book

Becca Andrews, a respected Mother Jones contributor, pens work about reproductive rights movement

A new book looks at the problems surrounding abortion care and the reproductive rights movement in the Post-Dobbs era, with specific attention paid to the problems besetting the current era of activism. 

Becca Andrews, a journalist at Mother Jones, penned No Choice: The Destruction of Roe v. Wade and the Fight to Protect a Fundamental American Right. The book has an interesting beginning with an explanation of the theological and philosophical treatment of abortion in ancient times. It then traces the history up through time briefly with looks at the development of the Society of Humane Abortion. It ends with a look at some of the common problems besetting the movement. 

The book is in no way an exhaustive look at any one period or a narrative of the entire movement. But it ties certain parts of history together with a pro-choice viewpoint. 

Norma McCorvey, the unnamed plaintiff in Roe v. Wade, is featured in the book. McCorvey was documented in AKA Jane Roe, an FX special that focused on the last days of her life that came out in 2020. The movie is mentioned in the book with a description of her life along with an explanation of her importance in the movement. For a further look at McCorvey, buy Josh Praeger’s The Family Roe, which I featured in an earlier newsletter. 

Andrews also covers Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis’ famous filibuster in Texas in 2013 along with the situation in the state currently. She also discusses the issues that Black women have had in Alabama getting reproductive care. 

Some of the more interesting parts of the book deal with a diagnosis of what has hurt the abortion rights movement. One thing Andrews talks about is the involvement of men, which she supports. But she also points out that many men can get savior-like complexes and develop egotism. I’ve heard as much from older figures about historical male figures in the movement that had the same issues. 

She also talks about performative activism–or the involvement within the movement merely to impress other people with photos at the rally that are then posted on social media. It’s important to balance that concern with permitting people to take photos of themselves at those events because it also serves to promote the message on those people’s platforms. Perhaps it would be good to tell people that they could post the photo, but then must be equipped with the historical and contemporary understanding to win a debate that then ensued in the comment section of that photograph. 

The book is available on Amazon and will come out on Oct. 22.