Stars for PRO

Our #FridayReads pick is Katha Pollitt’s highly acclaimed PRO: Reclaiming Abortion Rights.

In PRO, Politt reframes abortion as a common part of a woman’s reproductive life, one that should be accepted as a moral right with positive social implications. In clear, concise arguments, Pollitt takes on the “personhood” argument, reaffirms the priority of a woman’s life and health, and discusses why terminating a pregnancy can be a force for social good.

Naturally, PRO is stirring up discussion—and getting tremendous praise! It’s one of Flavorwire’s Fall 25 Must-Reads, one of Publishers Weekly‘s Top 10 Social Science Books of Fall, is on Lena Dunham’s bookshelf, and has received two starred reviews:

“An impassioned, persuasive case for understanding [abortion] in its proper context… With wit and logic, Pollitt debunks the many myths surrounding abortion, and analyzes what abortion opponents really oppose: namely, women’s growing sexual freedom and power…. With arguments that are both lucid and sensible, Pollitt successfully reframes the abortion debate to show that, ‘in the end, abortion is an issue of fundamental human rights.’” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“In this powerful pro-choice treatise, Pollitt, the well-known feminist, poet, and award-winning columnist for the Nation, expertly lays out why she supports a woman’s right to decide whether to end a pregnancy.” — Booklist, starred review

“A dramatic, persuasive argument for abortion…. Bolstered by dramatic statistics, personal interviews and historical references reaching as far back as ancient Greece and Egypt, Pollitt impressively makes her case while admitting that abortion clinics have become increasingly inaccessible and certain ‘pronatalist pundits’ are holding women’s intimately private pregnancy decisions up for public scrutiny…. Pollitt’s cogent opinion presents potent testimony on a woman’s right to choose.” — Kirkus Reviews

PRO will be available from Picador on October 14, 2014.