Product Description
Infertility and Assisted Reproduction presents, in detail, the techniques and philosophies behind medical procedures of infertility and assisted reproduction. World-class experts in their field, representing research from 18 different countries, have contributed to this groundbreaking textbook covering one of the most rapidly changing and hotly debated fields in medicine. Different countries have different restrictions on the research techniques that can be applied to this field, and, therefore, experts from around the world bring varied and unique authorities to different subjects in reproductive technology.
This comprehensive textbook encompasses the latest research into the physiology of reproduction, infertility evaluation and treatment, and assisted reproduction and concludes with perspectives on the ethical dilemmas faced by clinicians and professionals. This book is designed to be a definitive resource for those working in the areas of reproductive medicine the world over. ... Read more

Product Description
It's estimated that endometriosis effects 15% of American women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility.This book explains why endometriosis and infertility are on the rise in contemporary Western society and describes how traditional Chinese medicine diagnoses and treats these two, often related conditions.It includes sections on prevention, diet, exercise, and relaxation therapies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting alternative look at endometriosis!
Although this book is short, it is quite technical into the differing ways that Chinese medicine views women's health conditions, such as endometriosis.I would recommend that you know a little about the wayChinese medicine looks at deficiencies and stagnations in the variousmeridians before delving into this book.Otherwise, this information mightsound repetitive and be difficult to dissect into usable portions. On apositive note, there is accurate and interesting information in this bookon an underexplored topic. ... Read more

Product Description
How far would you go to have a baby? "Making Babies the Hard Way" is a frank account of one couple's discovery that they cannot have children of their own, and their ensuing struggle through four years of fertility treatment. One in six couples worldwide seek assistance to conceive and 80 per cent of couples undergoing fertility treatment are currently unsuccessful. Writing with humour and honesty, Caroline Gallup describes the social, emotional, spiritual and physical impact of infertility on her and her husband, Bruce, including feelings of bereavement for the absent child, the unavoidable sense of inadequacy and the day-to-day difficulties of financial pressure. As well as telling her own moving story, she also offers information and guidance for others who are infertile, or who are considering or undergoing treatment. This courageous and poignant book will be of interest to couples who cannot conceive and those who are undergoing treatment, as well as their families and friends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly recommend for those new to DI
I am fairly disappointed by how few books there are about DI.While there is a lot of information on the internet, I think that reading a variety of first-hand narratives would be helpful for people who are just beginning to consider DI.So, I was very pleased when I found this new book.This book follows a British couple as they go from diagnosis of azoospermia to exploring various treatments to deciding how many cycles are too many. (Boy, do I remember agonizing over that point!)

While some of the procedures and costs are different in the UK, their experience closely mirrored our own.Because it is based on a diary that the author kept, she includes some very intimate and intense conversations that she and her husband had in regards to infertility.These events clearly highlight the need for both parties to be in full agreement before embarking on the DI journey.

At times, the story line is a little muddled. The author has a lot of friends in whom she confides and it is sometimes difficult remember who is who.She is also a practicing Buddhist and writes about that quite a bit.(It's a little odd so see Buddhist terms mixed in with infertility jargon in the glossary.)Overall, though, I think that this book is a worthwhile read, especially for those just starting out. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect.
This book is wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with infertility.It was recommended to my husband and I by a couple who has struggled with infertility for 5 years and who are still childless.We have just begun our journey with fertility treatments and this book was so helpful.I refer to it a lot when talking to my family about the struggle of being "infertile".I also really enjoyed the personal stories and journal entries from women and men that are included in the book.This book validated a lot of the emotions I have been having and that was important to me.

A much-needed encouragement
Couples who are struggling with infertility already understand the pain, loneliness, grief, and, yes, resentment and bitterness that comes with the experience. Cindy Dake offers hope through the gospel of Christ from a fellow-traveller, and it is a much-needed encouragement to the couples. This book is packed with practical knowledge, but other books can give that information. Its real strength is in relating that knowledge with biblical points. For instance, how does a Christian decide when to stop infertility treatments? What factors should be considered with medical treatment, adoption, or child-free living? Mrs. Dake doesn't make those decisions for you, but she makes sure you are aware of your options and factors that should go into making those decisions. A chapter is spent relating stories of infertility from the Bible, which is a faith builder to those of us feeling like we are alone in this experience. I also appreciate how the book is written to friends and family of the infertile couple, to help them be able to better minister to their loved ones.

I recommend this book to all of my friends dealing with infertilty! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Explain the Unexplainable
This book provides the reader with explanations for fertility issues that may not be addressed by a traditional OBGYN. Seek help in the area of immunology and edocronology to identify underlying health concerns that may result in the inability to conceive and carry to full term.

I would not have my daughter without these treatments
I'll keep this brief: After 5 miscarriages and no issues found by a number of OB/gyns and RE's I found the Beer Center. Fast forward 2 years later and my healthy daughter was born. Immune issues may be rare, but for women who have them, getting them under control is the only way to get through a pregnancy and it is simply a crime that many OB's are not believers of these issues as I am sure there are many couples out there who have given up when they could have been treated. I hope when my daughter decides she would like to have a child these tests and treatments are mainstream so no one needs to go through recurrent pregnancy loss and secondary infertility.

I am now 6 months pregnant
I bought this book in late 2008. Been miscarried twice before and my ob couldn't figure out why, he said everything is normal with me. This book really opened my eyes, i never have thought i have immune related problems, but it turns out that i have. I am familiar with most of the symptoms mentioned in this book. Because I live in Indonesia, i search high and low for a doctor who support Dr. Beer protocol. I got rejected by two or three obgyns before i finally found Prof. Ichramsjah Rahman who support similar ideas about the connection between immune system and miscarriages. Just like protocols in this book I go through monthly IVIG therapy etc. Hope this pregnancy come out successfully :)

Good info for specific needs
It's a great book.It helped in understanding some very specific immune issues that my doctor described.I wish it had gone into a little bit more of how the body works and the steps it goes through while creating a baby, but that's not really what it's for.It's for explaining infertility issues and that is precisely what it does.The book was definitely helpful in those very specific topics.

Highly recommend!
I have had four miscarriages and through this book and finding a new doctor who is mentioned in this book...i have finally been able to figure out what the cause is...i have high natural killer cells and will need IVIG treatment for our next pregnancy...which hopefully will be soon...so if you have been TTC for a long time or have had repeated miscarriages I SO RECOMMEND this book!its NOTHING like regular doc books! ... Read more

Product Description
Expert medical advice from a hospital with one of the most comprehensive infertility approaches for couples

For the 9 million women and 2 million men who are dealing with infertility, the process of diagnosis and treatment can be a long, lonely, difficult path.

In The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Infertility, Dr. Tommaso Falcone, one of the world’s foremost authorities on infertility issues, provides hope for couples by sharing information that has brought success to many of his patients. This complete resource gives readers the cutting-edge medical guidance Dr. Falcone offers his patients, including:

• The latest facts on how to address both female and male infertility
• Vital information to help identify the source of the problem and evaluate treatment options
• Trusted advice on how to choose an infertility specialist
• Personal stories of those who have triumphed over infertility
• Plus, support for dealing with the financial costs, sensitive issues such as multiple births, and the emotional rollercoaster of infertility

Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation’s best hospitals, is top-ranked in gynecology and urology. Cleveland Clinic doctors treat the whole person through good science and good people skills, addressing infertility broadly rather than narrowly.

... Read more

Product Description
What does an infertile woman experience as she sees a woman pushing a stroller?

According to the Torah (The Old Testament), three of the Matriarchs; Sarah, Rebecca and Rachel suffered from infertility but eventually gave birth to the founders of the Jewish People. In Infertility in the Bible author Jessie Fischbein looks at the struggle of important Biblical women to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of infertility, and their success in finally having children. Fischbein examines the efforts of these Biblical figures through prayer and deed. Using their experiences as a starting point, Fischbein discusses her own battle with infertility and how others may benefit from her experience.

To help others find their way through this difficult experience, Fischbein focuses on:

• Divine Intervention: the key to understanding yourself and your place in God's plan. How to work on yourself and perhaps alter your "fate".

• Prayer: why it sometimes works and other times does not work and how to re-mold its force within you.

• Leah and Rachel: How their sibling rivalry impacted on their ability to have children, and why focusing your emotions is a hidden tool for change.

• Hannah: How the prayers and actions of Samuel's mother helped her conceive.

• Important insights on the husband-wife relationship when infertility becomes an issue, and how to better understand the sensitivities of a woman who has trouble conceiving. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

enlightening
i could not put this book down. it really sheds light on the infertily issue from a spiritual and historical side. it is a great book for anyone suffering from infertility.

The Bible relates to us
Often when hearing the bible stories we think of the characters as far off, distant, and hard to identify with.This book closes the gap.It explains how we can relate to the matriarchs, how we can get a glimpse of what they went through and what we can learn from them in a practical way.I would definately recomend it.

A Very Powerful and Moving Book
I think the book has something for everyone, not just those that can't conceive, in that it has advice on how to deal with any disappointment in life. I found it a very powerful and moving book.

I loved it!
The tone of this book is at once incredibly honest and deeply warm and empathetic; it feels like having a conversation about a painful subject with a friend who really wants to help you find some clarity. The tone is chatty, peppered with jokes and anecdotes to ease you through difficult subjects. The ideas and various points really stay with you, following you as you move back out into the world after reading it. Her analysis of various Biblical figures is interesting and novel, and opens up the area further.
I personally found this book incredibly useful in beginning to approach all of the complicated emotions that are aroused by infertility. I think, as a side point, its worth reading even if you don't share a particular Biblical orientation with the author. I have never read a book quite like this one on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (28)

Perfect!
There were times when it felt like this book was written specifically for me! Even though I know that's crazy because my situation is unique, just like all of the people that will read this book. It helped me learn so much more about IF and helped me feel better about my emotions and helped me see that I am not alone in this fight. Amazing, Amazing book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is going through any type of infertility, it helped me immensely.

Great IF book!
I really enjoyed this book. It was very helpful and articulated a lot of difficult feelings about 'infertility' that are hard to explain often.. Also a very easy read, the author feels approachable.. that's refreshing for a fertility book as so many of those can be dry reads. I didn't like how her "fun tips and side notes" kept interrupting the flow of the chapters though, often you would have to turn a page and then turn back to read the tip, then turn forward again to continue on in the normal chapter.. that got annoying after a while. So, the content is great, just the formatting could have used a little work.

An excellent emotional support book
I have read enough books to have a decent grasp on what is involved in the various treatments offered for fertility.This is the only book that has directly addressed the emotional aspect associated with each procedure and with the entire process.

Thanks to the author for admitting that this "painless procedure" crap is just that... crap.Every single procedure has some level of pain associated, both physical and emotional.When you are tired of everyone minimizing your experience, this is the book that will help.

Witty, Informative and Well Written!
I've not experienced infertility issues myself, but I'm a reader of Melissa Ford's blog and really enjoy her honest and earthy writing style.This book gave me lots of insight into the infertility side of things, and was an enjoyable and informative read.Very well researched and super-duper helpful.

This is THE go to book for Iffers.
I just finished this book, and I LOVED it.Its real. Like, its not some fancy medical journal, written by someone who has never experienced infertility.It all comes from one of our own. And it just solidifies that we are not alone.I loved the letter from Melissa, in the back of the book.I may very well end up using it.

I also plan on buying another copy and giving it to a friend of mine who has just started out on her journey...

I highly recommend reading this book.Whether you yourself are experiencing infertility, or someone you know is..this book has something for you. ... Read more

Product Description
A Brief Guide to IVF, IVF with ICSI, IVM and Frozen Embryo Transfer by Rachel Inbar

Revised Sept 27, 2010 - the following new sections were added:

IVF Concerns (paying for it, how do I choose a clinic, time off work, emotional issues, success rates)
What do you do when there isn't any sperm?
What is ICSI?
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Exceptionally brief
I expected this to be a pretty quick read, given the price.But as inexpensive as it is, it still is not worth it.If you know absolutely nothing about IVF and are incapable of doing a quick internet search, then this is good information.I don't think the information contained within the pamphlet is wrong.But it is exceptionally brief, just a bare-bones recitation of the absolute basics.Less than your doctor will tell you, significantly less than you can find for free online. ... Read more

Product Description
A new model for treating infertility

This new book offers a revolutionary clinical model for treating individuals and couples who are infertile.The authors reveal how infertility profoundly affects a sense of identity and colors the most intimate relationships with family and friAnds.Step by step, this vital resource, shows clinicians how they can learn to support clients in overcoming their inevitable sense of loss and help them to regain their power.

The authors' advocacy of acceptance of infertility is a liberating approach for families who have been struggling to `resolve' these life long issues. This original book . . . .Can change your life.

--Linda Perilstein, executive director, Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, Washington, DC

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A valuable addition to the clinician's library
This book uses detailed case material to illustrate the various concerns experienced by patients who are dealing with infertility.It provides clear descriptions of the specific interventions that address many of these patient concerns.Deveraux and Hammerman have presented material in such a way that therapists are able to select appropriate specific interventions so that therapy can be individualized to address the concerns of a particular patient or couple.Infertility and Identity also describes effective interventions for patients who may still be struggling with the issue of infertility years after a successful pregnancy or adoption.This book is especially relevant at a time when financial constraints often necessitate therapy to be focused and time-limited.This book will be an excellent resource for clinicians who are helping patients deal with the many issues related to infertility.

An excellent resource on infertility.
This is a much-needed resource for a major problem area for many couples.Deveraux and Hammerman have written an informed and useful book about a seldom-addressed problem.Of particular interest are their challenges to traditional thinking.As a psychologist often working with clients with infertility problems I found their concepts challenging and useful, full of practical information.Although directed to the professional this book is quite readable and down-to-earth, and will be as valuable resource for individuals and couples struggling with this problem.Highly recommended.Ronald J. Scott, Ph.D. ... Read more

Product Description
Surviving the challenges of infertility

Often enduring years of heartache, couples with infertility number over 7.3 million. Enduring the daunting difficulties of treatment is something few women are prepared for. Based on the personal stories of 200 women determined to overcome infertility, this surprisingly upbeat survivors' guide gives the kind of hard-won wisdom essential to making it through the process. Not only does the book detail coping strategies, it also presents tips for strengthening stressed relationships and addresses the unique needs of single women and lesbians.

An essential guide for women and couples, friends and family, and health care providers and therapists, this book offers the solace and strength needed to prevail even after years of struggle.

• Written by a therapist, consultant, and public speaker dedicated to the study of infertility and its emotional impact
• Other titles by Shapiro: When Part of the Self Is Lost and Infertility and Pregnancy Loss

For any woman or couple who feel as if they're facing infertility alone, When You're Not Expecting is a must-have book.

http://connieshapiro13.blogspot.com/ ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Response to Il Fiore's review
I have read Kate's book. I also worked for her and therefore felt compelled to respond to il fiore's comments. When Kate had her daughter she was married and her husband was making a good living. Shortly thereafter that marriage ended and from that point on Kate struggled as a single parent, living on limited funds, while dealing with a very serious, very active and debilitating disease -lupus. When I went to work with Kate she was opening The Mind Body Fertility Clinic based on Ali Domars work at Harvard because she so wanted to help other women "find their babies" either biologically or thru adoption. Most importantly she wanted to help women learn to take control of their lives again, stop the insanity that infertility creates, save their marriages, stop hating themselves and their lives, and have hope. The tips that she advocates are for women of any economic background - relaxation, diet, meditation, journaling, time with your partner. The program that she started was open to anyone and if the couples could not afford it then Kate would work out a way for them to attend anyway...even if it meant that she lost money. She is an amazing woman and your review was mean spirited. Kate wrote about her experiences so that other women could see that there are options outside of endless medical tests and last time I checked she had received little to no money for all the time and effort she put into writing I Got Pregnant You Can Too. I recommend this book and if you are in LA I recommend attending The Mind Body Fertility Clinic - which is now being run by Dr. Laurel Kline.

This is in response to il fiore's review
I have read Kate's book.I also worked for her and therefore felt compelled to respond to il fiore's comments.When Kate had her daughter she was married and her husband was making a good living.Shortly thereafter that marriage ended and from that point on Kate struggled as a single parent, living on limited funds, while dealing with a very serious, very active and debilitating disease -lupus. When I went to work with Kate she was opening The Mind Body Fertility Clinic based on Ali Domars work at Harvard because she so wanted to help other women "find their babies" either biologically or thru adoption.Most importantly she wanted to help women learn to take control of their lives again, stop the insanity that infertility creates, save their marriages, stop hating themselves and their lives, and have hope.The tips that she advocates are for women of any economic background - relaxation, diet, meditation, journaling, time with your partner.The program that she started was open to anyone and if the couples could not afford it then Kate would work out a way for them to attend anyway...even if it meant that she lost money.She is an amazing woman and your review was mean spirited.Kate wrote about her experiences so that other women could see that there are options outside of endless medical tests and last time I checked she had received little to no money for all the time and effort she put into writing I Got Pregnant You Can Too.I recommend this book and if you are in LA I recommend attending The Mind Body Fertility Clinic - which is now being run by Dr. Laurel Kline.

Let's be fair :)A great place to start.
Some of the lower-rated reviews of this book focus on the author's "privilege."Personally, I didn't see it that way at all.I'm a fairly middle-class woman who doesn't have the freedom (or cash) to jet off to Arizona, but the advice and esecially "life lessons" in this book helped me enormously!Reading this book made me feel like I was getting advice from a big sister who's been through it all.

Yes, there are some New Age references in the book, but they seem awfully tame and in no way inconsistent with her also speaking of God.Her best advice (and I wish more doctors felt this way) is that a positive attitude can aid the fertility process.Katie (I hope she doesn't mind me saying that!) is in no way blaming women for their infertility.Rather, she's asking women to evaluate their readiness and prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for parenthood, something more of us (even the fertile!) should be thinking about.Nor is she arguing that her book is somehow a bible for getting pregnant.This book introduced me to the work of Louise Hay, Susun Weed, and Alice Domar, and she definitely encourages women to learn as much as they can about their condition in order to help their doctors help them.In this respect she's a lot more rational than some New-Age fertility "gurus"--she advocates an informed use of technology aided by positive thinking.And, as someone who's also gotten more than a few gold stars from the school of hard knocks, I really admired her resiliency and emotional depth. Her story alone is well worth the read.

I wish I'd had this book when I was starting out on the "roller coaster" in 1996--it could have saved me a lot of grief.As it is, her suggestions have improved the quality of my life immensely, and I now have the satisfaction of knowing that my husband and I will be much better parents than we were in '96 (and more balanced people).So--a big hug for Katie and Mimi!

Not helpful or inspiring.
How hearing some woman's sad, sad story and all the sad stories of her famous (but she can't say exactly who) friends helps anybody with infertility is completely beyond me. What a dumb book. I could'nt even make myself finish it. So, unless the second half of the book instantly becomes helpful, I think it is a waste of time. It's not very well written on top of its total uselessness.
However, if you don't believe me , I know where you can get a used copy in fabulous condition.

I GOT PREGNANT, YOU CAN TOO!
I would truly recommend Katies book to any woman whom is going thru this roller coaster of infertily. What I liked best about her book is that it made me realize that stress plays a major role in getting pregnant. Reading her story and how she didnt take NO for answer, she had faith. I realize now that positive thinking has to work. I myself have had two miscarriages, my latest was in March. I am taking Katies book to heart, and hoping that my child will come to me too. I realize things happen for a reason/and happen when they are suppose to. I firmly believe my child will come to me when it feels "I AM READY"..This book also inspires you to look and think more about your over all well being and how its important. ... Read more

Product Description
Accounts of couples struggling with infertility reach out with comfort and support. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must read for any infertile couple!
I read this book over 6 years ago when I was experiencing infertility trouble. I couldn't put it down. It brought great comfort to hear someone else talk about the feelings involved with infertility. I was so glad to find it again for someone else I know going through this right now! Thank you for sharing your story, you have no idea how much you've helped other people!

I have finally seen others feel as I do...
I have read this book twice.Once as an undergrad for a class taught by the author.The second time I began to read it when I started to experience infertility myself.I have a beautiful 4 yr. old daughter and have been trying to conceive for nearly 3 years.The book has some very good insight into the feelings a woman goes through when trying to conceive and no one else understands.It has given me some comfort in knowing there are others that understand my feelings and that I am not crazy.Thank you so much, Michelle for this book.

This book saved me
A heartwrenching look at the effects infertility can have on a woman's life, and the ways other women have dealt with this problem.If you have this problem--or know someone who does--get this book.It'll help you so much. ... Read more

Product Description
CHOICE explores the one of the most polarizing political issues of our time reproductive choice.

CHOICE attempts to raise the discourse on reproductive choice, which often devolves to clichés and name-calling, by posing the question--what is it like to make any sort of reproductive choice? What is it truly like to use birth control, the morning after pill, use a sperm bank, have an abortion, adopt a child, give a child up for adoption, bring a pregnancy to term?

In these 22 stunningly honest essays, writers describe their experiences making some of these decisions, as well as many others. Established writers such as Francine Prose, Jaquelyn Mitchard, Pam Houston, Carolyn Ferrell, Ann Hood, Deborah Macdowell, and Sarah Messer contribute essays, along with emerging writers such as Kimi Faxon Hemingway, Stephanie Anderson, and Ashley Talley.

The essays in CHOICE explore the complexities inherent in every reproductive decision, whether it is to choose to have a child or terminate a pregnancy; the guiding philosophy of the book is that this issue is too complex and individual to be legislated, and the writershonesty about their experiences will humanize this issue, no matter what the reader s stand on it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Surprised
I've been reading books on abortions, pregnancies, miscarriages, etc. and most of them sound overly zealous for either pro-choice or pro-life.I read this expecting more of the same, but was pleasantly surprised. While the stories are, of course, emotionally charged, it does not drag out melodrama or contemplate too long the existential and depressing questions that often come with making a decision regarding something of such gravity. Not to say that such a choice isn't a cause to consider some of life's "weightier" questions, but I don't personally like books that drag too long one way or the other. I liked that the stories were each fairly short and had women who made multiple decisions, not just one or the other.

I would caution people who don't like reading page after page of some fairly heartbreaking stories; take them one at a time instead of all at once. It's definitely not light reading, but it is thoughtful, well-written, and poignant.

Amazing
This book was incredibly honest, heartfelt, and moving. The diversity of stories and voices kept me interested and the emotional power of these stories truly affected me. I found myself crying in the middle of class as I read this book (whilst pretending to take notes and pay attention in class). I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Everyone should read this amazing book
I can't imagine how anyone could remain unengaged by the stories in this book. I was moved almost to tears (and often actually to tears) by all of these women's powerful, beautifully written stories. I was given this book by a friend who wanted to buy it for all of her friends, it was given to her by a friend who also bought it for all of her friends, and I plan to recommend this book to everyone I know as well.

somewhat disappointing...
I was eager to read this book after reading a favorable review in my local paper. As a woman who had experienced most of the topics covered in the book, I was looking for some insight from other women regarding these major events.However, I found the book rather flat and unengaging.A few of the essays really drew me in (Janet Mason Ellerby, Sarah Messer, and Kimi Faxon Hemingway all wrote powerful essays), but for the most part, I remained unmoved by their stories.I would recommend this book, but I would say, take it out of the library (sorry, Amazon!).

Incredible, powerful book
This is absolutely one of the most emotionally powerful, though-provoking, conviction-challenging books I have read in a number of years.I only wish I could give it six stars.

It is NOT, as some might think, all about the choice to have an abortion.It is about all the emotional, mental, and moral complexities of ANY pregnancy, and the desires, decisions, fears, and longings that go along with a pregnancy.There are stories of women who gave their children up for adoption, and have suffered the pain of wishing they could have kept their children for the rest of their lives.There are women who recount the histories of women in their family who did not have the choices that they themselves now have when faced with an abusive relationship, a pregnancy where the resulting child would be unlikely to survive, having absolutely no money to be able to take care of a child conceived despite carefully using birth control.There are women who had to choose between dying themselves and attempting to carry a much-wanted pregnancy to term.There are women who chose to become single mothers despite pressure to have an abortion or give up the baby for adoption.There are women who knew their fetus might be abnormal, but chose to have the baby, come what may.There are stories of women who had abortions, both legal and illegal, who had severe medical consequences as a result.There are women who had an abortion for an early pregnancy when they could not carry it to term, and are thankful for that choice because it gave them a chance at a better, happier life - and more children that they could care for and support - later in life.Women who miscarried, and have dealt with the pain of this loss.Women who adopted from another country, acutely aware of the terrible circumstances that must have led to the bio mother of their child having to give up her baby.Women who miscarried much-wanted children.Women who knew deep down that they were not meant to be mothers, and decided to not have children.

It is about choices - ALL the choices - associated with so many different pregnancy situations.

None of these situations are without feelings, without an awareness of other options or possibilities.Many of the women in these essays made decisions that they knew they had to make, but were gut-wrenching in the extreme.Many women in these essays support having ALL options available for pregnancies, even if they themselves strongly disagree with some of the options.In thinking forward to having my own family in the future and having never been pregnant (yet) myself, I have the utmost respect for most of the women in these essays in making these difficult choices (regardless of what choice they made) and strongly facing up to the consequences.Do not look for this book to be an unabashed endorsement of abortion - it is NOT that at all.That would be too simplistic to represent the reality of most women's situations when faced with pregnancy.

I believe that this book should not only be required reading for teen and young adult girls/women, but also for the boys/men too.I would also strongly suggest it for women's studies classes looking at reproduction.

I have already recommended it to several friends - one who appears to be infertile and is working on adopting from another country; another who is living with her boyfriend and will probably marry him, but may or may not be ready to be a mother now should she get accidentally pregnant; to a woman who got easily pregnant with her first two children, and conceived through a fairly foolproof form of birth control for her third.

Choices.

Even if you assume you will disagree with many of the decisions made here, pick up the book anyway.You may be surprised at the empathy you have for the women in these essays - and that you may even have something in common with them. ... Read more