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danarenee_reads's review
4.0
It's hard to say I liked this because there were so many comics and stories that made me angry and frustrated. I believe this is a very important and informative graphic novel that shares individual stories along with larger political and social movements. Some comics were better than others, but I think everyone who is a reasonable and intelligent person will find something in this book.
bonnybedlam's review
5.0
Probably going to be the most important book I read this year, and the one I'll be giving away the most copies of. If you're a woman who's capable of reproducing, or you plan on interacting with one, or are just curious about the most significant and traumatizing thing that can happen to 50% of the world's population, you need to read these comics. Some are stories from abortion providers, many are from women and transmen who have experienced abortions, and a couple are purely informational science explaining how conception and pregnancy work. No matter how much you know, there's bound to be something still to learn from at least one of these people's hard-won experience.
That goes double for men, pro-life radicals, and anyone who thinks two alternatives (motherhood or adoption) are plenty.
That goes double for men, pro-life radicals, and anyone who thinks two alternatives (motherhood or adoption) are plenty.
skyelerbear's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
3.0
It’s a little depressing to read this book, as since its publishing Roe v. Wade was overturned. I found most of the comics heartfelt and emotional. I’m always in awe of the women and other pregnant people’s journey and bravery in seeking abortion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Incest, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
This is a book about abortion! There’s a lot of dark content and I would be careful reading.savgulick's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
“Abortion on demand without apology”
amaniesami's review
5.0
Done entirely in black and white, this graphic non-fiction almost seems to draw more attention to the content than the art work, which is sometimes unusual to think of when reading a graphic novel. But in a way this work also can say so much more through pictures than with words, especially for issues like reproductive justice. It was delightful to see a mentioning of Colorado and its 2009 experiment whereby the state offered long-lasting birth control for free to teens and low-income women. The successes in declined teen pregnancies and abortions, as well as the millions saved in Medicaid costs, are important for our civil rights and proving that providing care (instead of taking away) is always the best approach to our social issues. There is this tension throughout the pieces in this anthology that marks the intersections of lived realities for women, and the constant threat of imposing political and religious control over our bodies. One piece even criticizes the internal issues of the pro-choice movement, which shows that this is not an outward project only. What I appreciated most about this collection, though, is the fact that it was widely representative of the experiences of women and non-gender conforming individuals, as the issues we face here are not limited to only one type of body. Race, sex, class, and religion are all themes that are intricately explored here in people’s own voices, which makes it easier to read and connect with. One piece toward the middle of the book recalls how “it’s always easy to take away people’s rights if you demonize them. Demonize them, dehumanize them, and take them out of the conversation.” In this way, the work is a reclamation act, one that calls forth the voices of women and their experiences in all their varied forms.
sar_p's review
4.0
Docked one star because some of the stories/illustrations were really difficult to read for me. These stories were ... great seems to be the wrong word, but I'll stick to it. Some made me very angry about the state of reproductive health, others informed me on the history of the fight for reproductive health and the nuances of the laws, and others made me feel grateful that I have such a good community of supportive women around me that if I was ever in the position to get an abortion I would not have to deal with the struggles so many others did, but reading about those struggles angered and saddened me.
This isn't a book that is created to change someone's mind about the pro-choice movement, but to share stories and to humanize the women who, whether they've had abortions or not, have been dehumanized and demonized.
This isn't a book that is created to change someone's mind about the pro-choice movement, but to share stories and to humanize the women who, whether they've had abortions or not, have been dehumanized and demonized.
zig_zaggie's review
4.0
An eclectic collection of comics/graphic short stories about abortion. I appreciated the variety here. For example, there's comics that reflect different ages of people as well as pregnancies, various social locations; ranging attitudes towards people's own pregnancies; roles in terms of including stories from volunteers, doctors, and doulas; and purposes, from exploring the history/various perspectives of "ensoulment" in embryos/fetuses/babies to sharing personal accounts.
Speaking of variety, there is a big range of "quality" (especially considering the art), but overall I liked these! I read this in a few different sittings, and each time I would say, "Okay, just one more," and then I'd read many more than one.
The ordering of the comics is often very helpful in that if a comic assumes some knowledge about abortion history or politics, then that comic is preceded by an informative comic on that topic. I did think it ended quite suddenly, though?
Speaking of variety, there is a big range of "quality" (especially considering the art), but overall I liked these! I read this in a few different sittings, and each time I would say, "Okay, just one more," and then I'd read many more than one.
The ordering of the comics is often very helpful in that if a comic assumes some knowledge about abortion history or politics, then that comic is preceded by an informative comic on that topic. I did think it ended quite suddenly, though?
al_johnson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Hate crime, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Vomit, Mass/school shootings, and Dysphoria
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, and Alcohol
clarissacardona's review against another edition
5.0
This updated edition of Comics for Choice, released after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, beautifully illustrates over a dozen of personal stories from a range of people who have had abortions. Whatever the reason (rape, finances, health, or simply not ready, etc.), each story is unique and demystifies the whole concept of abortion. While some stories were heartbreaking and others empowering, the complex feelings of shame, guilt, and relief come through in all of them. Whatever your personal moral feelings are towards abortion, I believe many individuals may find strength, knowledge, and understanding in why some make this decision if they read this comic. Pro-choice does not mean pro-abortion. It simply means that each individual should have body autonomy.
"My body. My choice."
4.5 stars
"My body. My choice."
4.5 stars