This Common Secret: My Journey as an Abortion Doctor

Given the intensification of the political onslaught against women's reproductive rights in this country, reading this book felt very apropos. I know very firmly where I stand in the whole abortion debate, and I thought myself very knowledgeable about the various issues. Wicklund showed me that I knew next to nothing about what actually having an abortion entails, and that while I may know the issues I don't know the emotions. The threats and dangers that Wicklund faces on a day-to-day basis shocked me, and I have nothing but respect for a woman who continues to do her job with compassion and conviction in the face of all that. I don't think I could do something - no matter how deeply held my sense of rightness - in the face of such show more ugliness, ignorance, hate, and hypocrisy.

Thank you, Dr. Wicklund. show less

This is a compelling memoir of a doctor who travelled between Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana, and Minneapolis working at abortion clinics. What stood out was the great compassion and care she gave each of her patients--while at the same time fending off dangerous protesters, and hospitals that prioritized billing protocol over patient well-being (and common sense). Her stories of run-ins with anti-choice extremists were scary and deeply disturbing (frequent death threats, home broken into, cornered late at night in a parking lot, frequently held hostage in her home when they blocked off her driveway, and followed everywhere she went), but the stories that really got me were the individual patient stories. I am not a crier, but I had show more tears in my eyes three or four times while reading the gut-wrenching stories of what some women go through before ending up at an abortion clinic. Other stories showed the head shaking hypocrosy of the anti-choice protesters (several who ended up in her clinic seeking abortions for themselves). The book is written in simple, clear language, and I wouldn't call it literary, but it gripped me from the beginning and I whizzed through it in less than a day. Literary?, no, but some pretty good writing all the same.

Recommended for: I definitely recommend this for anyone who is interested in this, or is interested in human rights. show less

Flat-out one of the most gripping memoirs I've ever read, and one of my favorite books. When Wicklund describes her career as an abortion provider as a "journey," one may underestimate the amount of torment and grief she alludes to. But by the end of the book, there is no doubt about the scale of harassment and terror she endured because she was convinced that her work was more important than her fear. A must-read for Feminists, pro-choicers, and progressives. However, I'm sure everyone else reading it wouldn't hurt, too.

this is a really great history of what it was like to work in the medical field, trying to provide legal abortions, when under active threat from so-called pro-life protesters. she tells stories of women and their decisions, why abortion is health care and necessary, and how hard it is to give your life (and that of your family) to a cause that really requires all of you, without rest or cessation. an important book.

Susan Wicklund's candid account of her career as an abortion provider is a quick, fascinating read. With plain but clearly written prose, she describes the women who have sought her help and explains her policy of compassionate reproductive care in which she does her best to combine practical medical methods while addressing the psychological issues that inevitably accompany an unwanted pregnancy. In essence, she ensures that each woman who undergoes the procedure is fully confidant and secure with the choice they have made. And this is where the strength of her tale lies; one really gets the impression that she deeply cares about the situation and unique circumstances of each and every patient she encounters. While much of the national show more abortion rhetoric spins around the potential human life which is growing inside (often at the expense of showing any consideration or empathy for the pregnant woman herself), Wicklund understands the importance of providing care for the woman, for discussing all available options and giving her accurate information to help her make an informed decision. She has even providing counseling and abortions for women she has seen protesting at the various clinics she's worked for. And she managed all of this while trudging through a hectic 100 hour-a-week work schedule and while she and her family, friends and co-workers were being terrorized by zealots whose truly bizarre and disturbing tactics she describes in detail. This is an amazing read for anyone with an interest in reproductive rights. I am truly thankful that there are people like Susan Wicklund in this country. show less

This isn't great writing, nor is it a book about the many perspectives and issues surrounding abortion. It is, however, a complete and compelling story of one woman's process becoming an abortion doctor, trying to live her life and raise a doughter amidst protest, violence, and controversy, and fine-tuning what this work could or should look like in true service to women. The title gave me the impression that it would be more about the women from all walks of life who have found themselves terminating a pregnancy. It did give a number of anecdotes, individual stories, and eye-opening dialogue with a diverse group of women, but the majority of the book is about Dr. Wicklund herself and her passion to help women in the most difficult show more position of their lives. That's not to say it fails, and to date, there aren't many books out there on the subject, particularly from the voice of a female doctor. show less

Excellent book on the topic of abortion and those that provide them. It's an eye opener in regards to the procedure itself and the inner workings of clinics, especially as compared to the rhetoric politicians spout on the subject. I found that even as a pro-choice advocate there were many misconceptions I held as well. I would encourage those on both sides of the issue to read it.