shereadsshedrinks's review against another edition
5.0
So thoughtful and well written, this is helpful for people to open conversations with people who are anti-choice based on moral or religious reasons. I didn't read it to challenge my own views so much as to be well prepared to challenge others, but it ended up strengthening my own beliefs.
maryesthernev's review against another edition
2.0
I was not very impressed by this book. I was hoping for novel scientific and logical arguments but most of the book was the same old pro-choice arguments with a strong pull on the emotions utilizing stories from Dr. Parker's abortion clinic. I wouldn't consider it a moral argument but rather an emotional argument from a very moral man.
The main argument that underlies the whole book is that a fetus is not human till it is at 20 weeks gestation (because that is when it has a chance at viability outside the womb and that is when it can feel pain). Therefore the mother's wishes about her life circumstances should be respected above the fetus' life (since it's not human yet it doesn't have the right to life).
He continually says his main motivation in all he does is to not judge anyone however throughout the entirety of the book he pits his side of the argument against the "antis". He used a lot of strawman fallacies, making generalizations about "antis", misrepresenting their arguments, and at points he says they take stances that are not mainstream to the pro-life stance.
He endeavors to use the Bible and church history to support his stance. I found these facts about church history interesting but the biblical interpretations were shifty. He says that he believes there is not a correct way to interpret the Bible which makes his interpretation work out well for his argument. He also chooses a few popular scriptures pro-lifers use and shows how they don't mean what they think it means which is ironic since he doesn't believe there is a correct way to interpret scripture.
I did appreciate a few things about this book. I was thankful for the refuting of many lies that are used in pro-life circles about what happens inside abortion clinics. I appreciated getting to step into the operating room with him and see what happens step by step. I also appreciated his grace filled approach to give women dignity and respect in their decision instead of writing them off like they don't know what they are doing or that they haven't thought their decision through. I also really appreciated how he expounded on all the things he refuses to do at his clinic because he sees them as immoral such as persuading women in their decision, doing abortions if the mom is being forced by partners or family, or doing late term abortions.
I think Dr. Parker's argument is consistent from beginning to end. He knows his line and he sticks to it. I find this man's perceptive very enlightening. It is clear he is an extremely moral and caring person. It gives me peace to know we have doctors like him taking care of women who really need help. This book helped me challenge my ideas and step into someone else's shoes for a bit. I am thankful he was brave enough to write this book even though he knew he would get a lot of criticism from his christian community.
The main argument that underlies the whole book is that a fetus is not human till it is at 20 weeks gestation (because that is when it has a chance at viability outside the womb and that is when it can feel pain). Therefore the mother's wishes about her life circumstances should be respected above the fetus' life (since it's not human yet it doesn't have the right to life).
He continually says his main motivation in all he does is to not judge anyone however throughout the entirety of the book he pits his side of the argument against the "antis". He used a lot of strawman fallacies, making generalizations about "antis", misrepresenting their arguments, and at points he says they take stances that are not mainstream to the pro-life stance.
He endeavors to use the Bible and church history to support his stance. I found these facts about church history interesting but the biblical interpretations were shifty. He says that he believes there is not a correct way to interpret the Bible which makes his interpretation work out well for his argument. He also chooses a few popular scriptures pro-lifers use and shows how they don't mean what they think it means which is ironic since he doesn't believe there is a correct way to interpret scripture.
I did appreciate a few things about this book. I was thankful for the refuting of many lies that are used in pro-life circles about what happens inside abortion clinics. I appreciated getting to step into the operating room with him and see what happens step by step. I also appreciated his grace filled approach to give women dignity and respect in their decision instead of writing them off like they don't know what they are doing or that they haven't thought their decision through. I also really appreciated how he expounded on all the things he refuses to do at his clinic because he sees them as immoral such as persuading women in their decision, doing abortions if the mom is being forced by partners or family, or doing late term abortions.
I think Dr. Parker's argument is consistent from beginning to end. He knows his line and he sticks to it. I find this man's perceptive very enlightening. It is clear he is an extremely moral and caring person. It gives me peace to know we have doctors like him taking care of women who really need help. This book helped me challenge my ideas and step into someone else's shoes for a bit. I am thankful he was brave enough to write this book even though he knew he would get a lot of criticism from his christian community.
jireh's review against another edition
3.5
I do agree with Dr. Willie Parker's conviction regarding abortion as part of women's healthcare. This just wasn't what I was expecting it to be. It was more of a memoir with a bit of self-aggrandisement (which, he earned to be sure), but it just felt a little bit uncomfortable at times. Also, I think he doesn't really present a moral argument here, in that I don't think anyone against abortion will be converted by this book. But again. Dr. Parker's work is admirable and should be lauded.
nolemdaer's review against another edition
4.75
Well-written memoir that was appropriately emotional, rational, and pensive in turn. Parker's descriptions of his faith and conceptions of God were genuinely transcendent. He thoughtfully made his moral argument, aptly referencing his own work and history, with enough academic clarity that I could cite this in a research paper.
aharman13's review against another edition
5.0
Such a level headed and factual read on a controversial subject. I think everyone everywhere should be required to read this.
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
I love the way that Dr. Parker explains his care for women. His approach to the abortion issue is nuanced and most importantly loving. Dr. Parker takes the time to highlight the many ways that women are viewed as incapable of making their own reproductive decisions. His absolute commitment to protecting a women's right to choose her own path resonates deeply with me. Dr. Parker arrives at this position largely with his christian faith in tact if not strengthened.