The worst of times

The days when abortions were illegal are graphically and chillingly recalled here by a host of witnesses. Women tell of the byzantine lengths they went to to get mostly perilous abortions; doctors, nurses and others, including boyfriends, describe their experiences. Here, too, are poignant reminiscences of those orphaned when their mothers died having siblings aborted. Published to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Roe v. Wade , this powerful collection of testaments, assembled by Miller, a Pittsburgh lawyer and abortion rights activist, demonstrates what awaits women if abortion is made illegal again. Appendices review the history of abortion legislation and the frequency, methods and complications of “underground” abortions.