by Gauuri Siingh
Abortion rights is a prevalent subject in feminist fiction, which frequently addresses difficult societal issues. Authors of feminist fiction utilise their stories to explore the deeply emotional and political sides of abortion, depicting it in different ways depending on the context and message they wish to communicate. It has become an increasingly important issue since it is discussed from multiple points of view including medical, social, religious, and legal aspects–from various perspectives including medicine, laws, and society. Young and unmarried women are particularly prone to poor reproductive and sexual health in general, and often have limited access to safe abortion procedures, resulting in delays and reliance on unsafe providers. This does make many wonder, How Do Authors Portray Abortion Rights in Literature?
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” A book by Margaret Atwood.
The most popular of them all, a futuristic dystopian novel that critiques the control of women’s reproductive rights. It delves into issues such as powerless women in a patriarchal society, the loss of female agency and uniqueness, the repression of women's reproductive rights, and the different ways in which women fight and attempt to gain individuality and autonomy. This well written and thought-provoking book is intended for free thinkers, individuals who can see deeper into life, and those seeking meaning and purpose.
“The Cider House Rules,” A book by John Irving.
The novel, set in the pre- and post-World War II eras, follows Homer Wells, a young guy growing up in an orphanage under the guidance of a doctor. However, when he disagrees with his tutor on the matter of abortion, he quits the house and seeks employment on a cider farm. There, he falls in love with another man's girlfriend but is forced to reconsider his ideals when one of the farm workers becomes pregnant by her own father. It delves into the divisive issues of abortion, addiction, racism, and rejection, as well as the moral difficulties of abortion and the freedom to choose.
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“Happening,” A book by Annie Ernaux.
An autobiographical narrative set in 1963, four years before oral contraception was legalised in France and twelve years before the Veil Act, portrays the difficulties a young student endures while obtaining an illegal abortion. Ernaux recognises that her pregnancy would label her and her family as social failures, and she knows she will be unable to keep the kid. It is how she navigates through her recollections and journal entries from those days. She extracts the implications of her experiences in a clear and concise manner.
“Revolutionary Road,” A book by Richard Yates.
A fascinating story about the goals and dreams of Frank and April Wheeler, secure Connecticut suburbanites who consider themselves as distinct from their neighbours in Revolutionary Hill Estates. It investigates how codependence may transform a disappointing marriage into a life-destroying one as each person considers how they perceive themselves. The book showcases the many consequences that may come with no sex education or support for abortion, and how these issues may become prevalent in a marriage.
“House of Cotton,” A book by Monica Brashears.
A humorous and eerie ghost story, the Black southern gothic novel is about a young lady trying to navigate life on her own. A number of sensitive subjects are covered in the book, including abuse, addiction, rape, and abortion. "House of Cotton" tells the narrative of abortion and Black women's life in the South through a combination of fairy tales and horror. The main character is a young lady in Tennessee who must navigate poverty, religion, and the ghost of her grandmother in order to afford an abortion.
Feminist literature has a significant impact on the conversation around abortion rights by depicting it as a complicated problem intersecting with themes of autonomy, social justice, and moral complexity. The contributors' narratives add to a greater understanding of the relevance of abortion rights in the battle for gender equality. Readers are able to gain awareness and empowerment, this socio-political issue is brought light by the critique on patriarchal control, exploration of stigma and choice. These different intersectional perspectives by each author bring the discussion of moral and ethical dilemmas, serving as a catalyst for social change and a vision for just society.
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