W&N signs ‘clear-eyed and deeply researched’ book on destruction of Roe v Wade 

Weidenfeld & Nicholson (W&N) has signed No Choice: The Destruction of Roe v Wade and the Fight to Protect a Fundamental American Right by Mother Jones journalist Becca Andrews. 

In her first acquisition for W&N, editor Kate Moreton, alongside executive publisher Jenny Lord, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Amber Hoover at PublicAffairs, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, for simultaneous publication in the UK and US on 11th October 2022. 

Described as a “ground-breaking report from the frontlines of the battle to protect abortion rights”, the synopsis reads: “On Friday 24th June 2022, women’s rights suffered an extraordinary and unprecedented blow. Five US Supreme Court justices made a decision that will impact millions of lives for years to come. In No Choice, a gripping blend of reportage and history, journalist Becca Andrews tells the story how we have arrived at this devastating turning point. 

“No Choice introduces the origin of abortion and its practice in global cultures, before focusing its gaze on the battle that has been waged for the past century across America, shining a light on the eerie ways in which life before Roe will be mirrored in life after. The wealthy and privileged will still have access, low-income people will suffer disproportionately, and pregnancy will be heavily policed.  

“Taking us to the frontlines – to clinics, courtrooms, local communities, charities – Andrews tells the deeply moving stories of those who have had abortions, and those who have fought – and are fighting – for the right to abortion. There is a glimmer of faint hope, though. As the battle moves to state legislatures around the country, the book profiles the people who are doing ground-breaking, inspiring work to ensure safe, legal access to this fundamental part of healthcare.”

Moreton said: “This is exactly the book I wanted to read on this important topic – an utterly devastating event that will have repercussions for women’s reproductive rights across the world. Through the shock, sadness and outrage, Becca Andrews, who grew up in the battleground state of Tennessee, offers a clear-eyed and deeply researched insight into how we have got to this point. She takes us away from the high-level political machinations of Washington and centres the human story – and human cost – of this landmark decision. I was floored by her skilful blend of history, reportage and women’s testimonies, and left both enraged and inspired. We’re very proud to be publishing this incredibly important book.”

Andrews said: “Writing and reporting this book has been the privilege of my life. I’m so grateful to W&N for believing in this text, and I hope readers of all backgrounds can come to it with open hearts and minds. The stories of these characters matter, now more than ever.”