Generation Roe: Inside the Future of the Pro-Choice Movement

Erdreich opens this compelling book with a personal story: of being called a Nazi by someone who is anti-choice. Instead of dwelling on the absurdity of this claim, Erdreich uses it as a springboard to explain why she, as well as other pro-choice activists, feel that freedom of choice is non-negotiable. A combination of stories from individuals and well-documented facts unfold to demonstrate both the need for abortion's legality and the current state of affairs.Unlike many pro-choice people, Erdreich publicly acknowledges the complexities of abortion. While a less thoughtful author may have used this as an excuse to muddle the core pro-choice message, Erdreich takes the conflicting feelings many people have about the subject and uses them to weave a narrative about why being pro-choice also means being pro-family, pro-baby, and pro-woman.The book moves through the topics of abortion training in medical settings, media representations of the abortion option, and why anti-choicers have gained such momentum in state legislatures over the last few years. The individual chapters can be read separately, but they ultimately portray a movement whose future depends on activists like Erdreich and the many young people she interviewed.Generation Roe closes as clearly as it began: with the statement that abortion is an acceptable choice to make, full stop. I read the book with pen in hand and found myself underlining many quotable sentences -- a sure sign that the book was engaging. I will certainly pull it off the bookshelf again and again, as a reference or as a reminder of the motivation that fuels the pro-choice movement.

I have read a fair amount of material on abortion rights and found this overall a fresh account of the battles in recent days. The chapters of television portrayals and activists among medical students were particularly good. One chapter basically wasted too much time in a smallish volume summarizing overall abortion history, which can be found in other places. As a whole, a worthwhile addition to the literature, providing a voice of the young activists today.

The discussion of abortion rights too often degenerates into posturing. In fact, it is almost impossible to see any reasoned discussion of this issue. Yes, it is volatile and provokes emotional response, but that should not be the basis of public policy. This book frames the discussion as a question of women's rights and presents the case in a compelling fashion. For those with an open mind, seeking an understanding of this issue, I can recommend this book without hesitation.

Not only a fantastic, well researched manual of the basic history and current issues facing the pro-choice movement, the book was unafraid to critically address some of the current challenges within the movement's infrastructure itself. A must read not just for those who support reproductive rights but those who question how we can "do it better." - Robin Marty, author  Crow After Roe: How "Separate But Equal" Has Become the New Standard In Women's Health And How We Can Change That

There are SO many books discussing pre- and post-Roe history. This one is the least successful that I've come across in a long time. The best? Probably ROE'S ROOTS, by Siegel & Greenhouse.

As someone who lived this history, I know that she got it right. She documents the political threat to return to the pre-Roe horrors and clearly illuminates the reasons we should not do so.

Erdreich's book looks at the unique difficulties facing women and men currently fighting for reproductive rights. I found the book to be very readable; it included lots of personal stories from Erdreich's interview subjects. The book also contains a list of resources, including websites I was not familiar with.In my opinion, the most interesting chapter was "On Demand and Without Apology," where Erdreich discusses problems with national pro-choice organizations. As Erdreich has worked at multiple reproductive rights organizations, she is well-equipped to speak of problems. I would add that these problems aren't necessarily unique to pro-choice organizations; national organizations and non-profits in general have a lot of bureaucracy and are not particularly known for being "radical."I do wish the author had made more of a group-based analysis of the conditions under which abortion takes place for women. Why is it that 1 out of 3 women in the U.S. have to undergo an abortion? What is causing all these unwanted pregnancies? The answer, I think, is that sexuality is not something that women truly control.Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book for people looking to learn more about the modern pro-choice movement. I'm glad Erdreich wrote it.