The Greatest Books of All Time on Abortion

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Follow on:

What should I read next?

Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.

Get Recommendations

Genres

abortion

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 1. Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion

    The novel centers around a woman named Maria Wyeth, a former model and actress, who is drifting through life in the 1960s Hollywood scene. As she struggles with a failing marriage, a difficult relationship with her daughter, and a career that's spiraling downwards, she grapples with existential despair. Told in a series of fragmented narratives, the story reveals Maria's mental breakdown, her self-destructive behavior, and her desperate attempts to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

    The 433rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. The Cider House Rules by John Irving

    This novel tells the story of Dr. Wilbur Larch—saint and obstetrician, founder and director of the orphanage in the town of St. Cloud's, Maine, and a man of rare compassion and an addiction to ether. Dr. Larch loves all his orphans, especially Homer Wells, who is never adopted and becomes his invaluable apprentice. As Homer comes of age, he must leave the only home he's ever known to explore the world outside, a world filled with temptations and moral dilemmas, from the struggle over abortion to the question of what constitutes a family.

    The 2482nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. Happening by Annie Ernaux

    The book is a poignant and introspective memoir that delves into the author's personal experience with an illegal abortion in 1960s France. Through a candid and unflinching narrative, it explores the emotional and physical turmoil she endured, as well as the societal stigma surrounding the procedure at the time. The author reflects on themes of shame, isolation, and the struggle for autonomy over her own body, offering a powerful commentary on the intersection of personal and political issues. Her narrative is both a personal testament and a broader critique of the societal constraints imposed on women.

    The 6224th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 4. Cleaned Out by Annie Ernaux

    "Cleaned Out" is a poignant autobiographical novel that delves into the life of a young woman coming of age in post-war France. The narrative follows her journey from a working-class background through her experiences at a boarding school and university, where she grapples with the social and sexual mores of the time. The protagonist's struggle with an unwanted pregnancy and the subsequent illegal abortion is a central and harrowing theme, reflecting the broader issues of female autonomy and the class divide. The novel is a stark and unflinching exploration of identity, memory, and the societal pressures that shape the lives of women.

    The 10303rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 5. The War On Choice by Gloria Feldt

    The Right-Wing Attack on Women's Rights and How to Fight Back

    This compelling narrative delves into the ongoing battle over reproductive rights in America, highlighting the political, social, and cultural forces that have shaped the debate. It offers a critical examination of the strategies employed by both pro-choice and anti-choice movements, while emphasizing the importance of preserving women's autonomy over their own bodies. Through a blend of historical context, personal stories, and policy analysis, the book underscores the urgent need for vigilance and activism to protect and advance reproductive freedom in the face of relentless opposition.

    The 11016th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 6. How The Pro Choice Movement Saved America by Cristina Page

    Freedom, Politics, and the War on Sex

    This insightful book delves into the pivotal role that the pro-choice movement has played in shaping modern American society, highlighting its impact on women's rights, healthcare, and personal freedoms. The narrative explores the historical context and the ongoing battles faced by advocates, illustrating how their efforts have not only safeguarded reproductive rights but also contributed to broader social and political advancements. Through compelling arguments and real-life stories, the book underscores the significance of maintaining a woman's right to choose as a cornerstone of democracy and individual liberty.

    The 11077th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 7. This Common Secret by Susan Wicklund

    My Journey as an Abortion Doctor

    This memoir offers a poignant and deeply personal insight into the life of a doctor who has dedicated her career to providing abortion services in the United States. Through a series of compelling narratives, the author shares her experiences of navigating the complex and often hostile landscape surrounding reproductive rights. She highlights the emotional and ethical challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers, while also shedding light on the broader societal issues that influence women's access to healthcare. The book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and compassion required to uphold women's rights in the face of adversity.

    The 11385th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  8. 8. Braided Lives by Marge Piercy

    The novel explores the intricate tapestry of women's experiences in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the coming-of-age story of a young woman as she navigates the challenges of friendship, love, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of the feminist and civil rights movements, the protagonist grapples with her desires for independence and artistic expression while confronting the constraints placed on her gender. Through her relationships with friends and lovers, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately seeking to forge her own identity and a life that intertwines personal fulfillment with social activism.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Frog by Yan Mo

    The novel explores the complex and often tragic consequences of China's one-child policy through the life of Gugu, a midwife in a rural village. As she navigates her professional duties and personal beliefs, Gugu becomes both an enforcer and a victim of the policy, grappling with the ethical and emotional turmoil it brings. The story delves into themes of family, tradition, and the impact of government policies on individual lives, offering a poignant and multifaceted look at a turbulent period in Chinese history.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 10. The Fall Of Roe by Elizabeth Dias, Lisa Lerer

    The Supreme Court's Decision and Its Impact on America

    The Fall of Roe by Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer delves into the intricate story behind the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a pivotal Supreme Court decision that had long been a cornerstone of women's rights in America. The book explores the strategic efforts of a dedicated group of conservative Christian lawyers and influencers who, driven by a mix of political and spiritual motivations, orchestrated a campaign to dismantle abortion rights. This movement, largely unnoticed by many, culminated in a significant shift in the legal and political landscape, reshaping the future of women's rights and the broader American society.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 11. My Notorious Life by Kate Manning

    Set in the gritty streets of 19th-century New York City, this gripping tale follows the tumultuous life of Axie Muldoon, a tenacious and spirited young woman who rises from the depths of poverty to become a controversial midwife and abortionist. As she navigates the harsh realities of her time, Axie's journey is marked by love, loss, and the constant struggle for survival against societal norms and legal constraints. Her story, inspired by true events, paints a vivid picture of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity, challenging the boundaries of morality and justice in a rapidly changing world.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  12. 12. A Lie Someone Told You About Yourself by Peter Davies

    A tender, elliptical portrait of parenthood that begins with a couple’s decision to end a pregnancy after a devastating diagnosis and follows them through grief, guilt, and the fraught joys of raising a subsequent child. Told in sharp, fragmentary vignettes, it examines marriage, masculinity, medical uncertainty, and the stories we craft to survive, blending dark humor with vulnerability as a father grapples with love, doubt, and the fragile miracle of family.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download