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A review by emily_gaynier
You're the Only One I've Told: The Stories Behind Abortion by Meera Shah
5.0
Normally I don't rate books that are people's stories, especially stories that are so raw, but I want to make sure this book and my review is found by those who need it
I think that this book is perfect for anyone who feels lonely in their choices when it comes to having children. I am a child of an adopted parent (one who is only a few years younger than Sally in the last chapter) and I am also childfree by choice. I know that if I were to become pregnant, I would head straight to the nearest abortion provider. Adoption is not an alternative to abortion. My dad was lucky that he found such a loving and caring family. Also I know what happens to a pregnant body and I do not want that done to me. I like my organs where they are, thank you.
This book focuses on mainly women of color who are children of immigrants, which is amazing. I feel like I learned a lot. And I am also glad we got a cis man's perspective on his then partner's abortion, along with a nonbinary person's story. But I feel like we missed a few pieces to the narrative. I would've loved to see a trans man's story and a story that would more resemble mine.
Maybe one day, I'll have to get an abortion and I can send Dr. Shah my story
I was raised Catholic, so some of the details of the stories hit home. I would probably not tell my parents about me choosing to end a pregnancy until after the fact. They are pro-life as my dad could've been aborted. I have at least two friends who I know who made this decision and I know if I ask, they would drive me home after an appointment. I am also very lucky in the state that I live in and the partner that I have. Both support me in my choice to never have kids.
It's very upsetting to know that the lies I was told in Catholic School health class about abortions are the same that a woman in the 1970's or so was told.
I think that this book is perfect for anyone who feels lonely in their choices when it comes to having children. I am a child of an adopted parent (one who is only a few years younger than Sally in the last chapter) and I am also childfree by choice. I know that if I were to become pregnant, I would head straight to the nearest abortion provider. Adoption is not an alternative to abortion. My dad was lucky that he found such a loving and caring family. Also I know what happens to a pregnant body and I do not want that done to me. I like my organs where they are, thank you.
This book focuses on mainly women of color who are children of immigrants, which is amazing. I feel like I learned a lot. And I am also glad we got a cis man's perspective on his then partner's abortion, along with a nonbinary person's story. But I feel like we missed a few pieces to the narrative. I would've loved to see a trans man's story and a story that would more resemble mine.
Maybe one day, I'll have to get an abortion and I can send Dr. Shah my story
I was raised Catholic, so some of the details of the stories hit home. I would probably not tell my parents about me choosing to end a pregnancy until after the fact. They are pro-life as my dad could've been aborted. I have at least two friends who I know who made this decision and I know if I ask, they would drive me home after an appointment. I am also very lucky in the state that I live in and the partner that I have. Both support me in my choice to never have kids.
It's very upsetting to know that the lies I was told in Catholic School health class about abortions are the same that a woman in the 1970's or so was told.