Choice Words

Choice Words: A collection of writing about abortion is a cri de cœur; a passionate appeal from writers, thinkers, musicians, actors, comedians, activists, and political staffers, offering personal stories of abortion alongside historical records and political anecdotes.

At a time when abortion is a criminal act and prosecution is a real risk in parts of Australia, this book is needed more than ever. In 2018, the world watched aghast when a Tasmanian woman lost her job at a high-profile sporting agency for tweeting the truth: even in states where abortion is legal, access can be nearly impossible.

This treasury of stories highlights the sheer, unspoken commonality of abortion. Women have been dealing with the risks and the fall-out for longer than there is record. It is poignant, wise, funny, and true; a salute to those who have been working in the field, a celebration of how far we've come, an electrifying caterwaul at how far we still have to go, and a clarion call to action.

Contributors include Jane Caro, Claudia Karvan, Laura Jean, Melissa Lucashenko, Emily Maguire, Tara June Winch, Michelle Law, Tony Birch, Melanie Cheng, Anne Summers, Gideon Haigh, Monica Dux, Bri Lee, Jenny Kee, and a Foreword by Tanya Plibersek. Proceeds from Choice Words will go to the charity Marie Stopes Australia, the only national, independently-accredited, not-for-profit safe abortion provider, that has helped more than 600,000 women in the past twenty years.

Foreword by The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP

Angela Williamson
Jane Caro
Monica Dux
Rosie Waterland
Van Badham
Eleanor Limprecht
Shirley Barrett
Claudia Karvan
Jenny Kee & Grace Heifetz
Jane Gleeson-White
Sarah Firth
Clem Bastow
Melissa Lucashenko
Bri Lee
Michelle Law
Brooke Davis
Gideon Haigh
Jess Scully
Melanie Cheng
Meredith Burgmann
Gabrielle Blair (DesignMom)
Catherine Deveny
Caroline deCosta
Amy Gray
Tara June Winch
Laura Jean
Emily Maguire
Ellena Savage
Anne Summers
Samantha Maiden
Gina Rushton (Buzzfeed)
Zoya Patel
Maxine Beneba Clarke
Tony Birch