No Choice

On the evening of 2nd May this year, a 98-page draft memo was leaked that suggested the US Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that enshrined constitutional protections for women seeking abortion. If that happens, abortion will instantly become illegal in 22 US states.

In NO CHOICE, journalist Becca Andrews examines how we have come to this position, where women's self-determination is growing stronger, yet we are being denied the fundamental right to control over our own bodies. She introduces the origin of abortion and its practice in global cultures, before focusing her gaze on the battle that has been waged for the past century across America, examining the past, present and future of Roe v. Wade.

We learn of the Jane Collective, an illegal underground network ran by women that provided an estimated 11,000 abortions between 1969-1973; of the story of Norma McCorvey, the problematic real 'Jane Roe' at the heart of the landmark ruling; of Senator Wendy Davis' extraordinary filibuster speech against a bill that would severely restrict access to abortions in Texas, requiring her to be fitted with a catheter, unable to sit or stop talking for 11 hours; of the life and work of Dr George Tiller, who on 31st May 2009 was fatally shot in the side of the head by anti-abortion extremist Scott Roeder while serving as an usher during the Sunday morning service at his church in Wichita.

In taking us to the frontlines - clinics, courtrooms, local communities, charities - and telling the stories of those who have had abortions, and those who have fought - and are fighting - for the right to, Becca Andrews gives us an incredibly powerful and moving human perspective on a highly politicised debate. Whilst it shines a light on the terrifying ways in which life before Roe will be mirrored in life after, it offers hope: as the battle moves to state legislatures across America, NO CHOICE profiles the people who are doing ground-breaking, inspiring work to ensure safe, legal access to this fundamental part of health care.