Let’s Talk About Abortion

Straightforward language frames an approachable, gender-neutral discussion of abortion from full-spectrum doulas Kol and Emulsify. Positioned for readers, per a note, who “have a basic understanding of how pregnancy happens,” the work begins with a simple premise: “When a person gets pregnant, many different things” may occur. From there, lines detail how the person might give birth to a child (“That’s what happened with you!”), miscarry (“when a pregnancy isn’t healthy enough to keep growing”), or choose to have an abortion (“when someone decides to stop growing their pregnancy”). Subsequent pages describe how “people have abortions for different reasons,” outline different methods, and underline the idea that “everyone should be able to decide what’s best for themselves, their bodies, and their families.” Closing pages describe arrayed emotional states that people may experience around having an abortion: “No matter how people feel, everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect.” Warm, stylized illustrations visualize people with various abilities, body types, and skin tones, many in domestic and natural spaces. It’s a high-level explanation of the topic that works to fill a significant gap in children’s books about healthcare. Includes a creators’ note, resources, discussion questions, and more. Ages 6–12. (Mar.)