Scan barcode
ohgiseal's review against another edition
4.0
A history of abortion in mid-century America, shaped by the life and times of a Portland-based doctor, Ruth Bartlett, who prided herself in her work and enjoyed the extravagant things in life. The book does go into detail about abortion syndicates, but most of the story focuses on Dr. Bartlett and how public opinion on the enforcement of abortion laws — and the role of women in general — radically changed around 1950.
There’s some uncomfortable descriptions of abortion trials in the last quarter of the book, including how the women who sought them out were treated in court. This book also had the unexpected side effect of making me hate Red Clocks even more than I already do.
There’s some uncomfortable descriptions of abortion trials in the last quarter of the book, including how the women who sought them out were treated in court. This book also had the unexpected side effect of making me hate Red Clocks even more than I already do.
thelucyjones's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first, but overall was an interesting portrayal and dive into the life and practice of Ruth Barnett, an abortion provider for nearly 50 years in Portland, OR, who served women seeking illegal abortions.
I got lost some in the description of all the different abortion providers and their connections to Rankin and the abortion syndicate, but greatly appreciated learning about a woman of resolute conviction and courage, recognizing the needs of women and the immorality of the law, providing an incredible service to a massive number of women.
I got lost some in the description of all the different abortion providers and their connections to Rankin and the abortion syndicate, but greatly appreciated learning about a woman of resolute conviction and courage, recognizing the needs of women and the immorality of the law, providing an incredible service to a massive number of women.
More...