THE WAR ON CHOICE: The Right-Wing Attack on Women's Rights and How to Fight Back

The right wing is eroding women's reproductive rights, and America's pro-choice majority must sound the battle cry, writes Feldt, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, in this provocative work. The "war" goes beyond abortion, Feldt claims, to encompass "the right to have full access to family planning information, facilities, and products, the right to have children or not, sex education for young people that goes beyond the abstinence-only education being promoted by the right wing, and the right to medically accurate information." Feldt assumes her readers are pro-choice (she says it's necessary to "speak to the choir"), and for them, this book reveals how doctors are giving ideology-based information to patients, the rights of fetuses are being elevated and U.S.-funded organizations abroad are forbidden to teach family planning. Feldt's angry and personal tone, coupled with her liberal quoting of conservative sound bites (e.g., "There is no way to have premarital sex without hurting someone") makes for thought-provoking, challenging reading. She excels when giving concrete plans for how individuals can activate change, but her strong opinions leave little room for disagreement. For example, pro-choicers who support the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (aka the Laci Peterson Law) could feel alienated by some of Feldt's assertions. Oversimplifications and unsupported statements also mar the work. This book isn't for those on the fence about choice, and it definitely won't convince conservatives. However, it's an excellent tool for staunch supporters of reproductive rights; it will rouse readers to fight for change. (Apr. 13)

Forecast: Expect Feldt's book to get a lot of media play. The publisher plans sponsorship announcements on public radio, print ads and national publicity.