Representing Abortion

Representing Abortion is a collection that examines how artists, writers, performers, and activists make abortion visible, audible, and palpable within contexts dominated by anti-abortion imagery centered on the fetus and the erasure of the pregnant person. It challenges the polarisation of conversations about abortion and offers nuanced and complex understandings of abortion, personally and politically. The collection is organized into sections around seeing (and not seeing) abortion, fetal materiality, abortion storytelling and memoir, and representations for new arguments. It aims to counteract anti-abortion rhetoric and carve out space for new arguments for abortion that are more representative and inclusive.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Representing Abortion is a groundbreaking exploration that delves into the diverse ways in which artists, writers, performers, and activists bring abortion to the forefront of public discourse, challenging the dominant anti-abortion imagery that focuses solely on the fetus and erases the pregnant person. Through their creative endeavors, these individuals strive to create a more nuanced and complex understanding of abortion, both on a personal and political level.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the various representations of abortion across different mediums, including art, performance, literature, and activism. Contributors to this collection examine how artists, performers, and writers depict and narrate abortion, exploring the nuances and complexities of this issue. They challenge the narrow abstractions that often dominate discussions about abortion and instead delve into the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives associated with it.

The collection is organized into four sections: Seeing (and not seeing) abortion, Fetal materiality, Abortion storytelling and memoir, and Representations for new arguments. These sections cover a wide range of topics, including abortion visibility, anti-abortion discourse, pro-choice engagements with the fetus, personal experiences, and media representations. By examining these representations within grounded histories, politics, and social contexts, the authors aim to expand the frame of reference for understanding abortion beyond the anti-abortion rhetoric that pervades popular culture.

One of the key themes explored in the collection is the challenge of making abortion visible and audible in contexts dominated by anti-abortion imagery. Contributors argue that the erasure of the pregnant person and the focus on the fetus contribute to the polarisation of conversations about abortion. They highlight the need for more inclusive and representative representations that centre the experiences and perspectives of pregnant individuals and their allies.

Through their creative works, artists, performers, and writers offer alternative narratives that challenge the dominant anti-abortion discourse. They explore the complexities of abortion, including the emotional and psychological toll it can take on individuals and the social and political implications of accessing safe and legal abortion. By presenting these diverse perspectives, the collection seeks to carve out space for new arguments for abortion that are more representative and inclusive.

Moreover, the authors advocate for the use of reproductive justice frameworks to advocate for safe abortion access. They argue that reproductive justice recognizes the intersectionality of various factors that impact individuals' ability to make decisions about their bodies and their reproductive health. By incorporating reproductive justice principles into discussions about abortion, the collection aims to create a more holistic and comprehensive approach to advocating for safe and legal access to abortion.

Representing Abortion is an innovative and challenging collection that will be of key interest to scholars studying rep. It offers a wealth of insights and perspectives that challenge the dominant narratives surrounding abortion and provide a platform for new arguments and narratives that promote inclusivity and representation. By expanding the frame of reference for understanding abortion, this collection contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote safe and legal access to abortion and to challenge the polarisation of conversations about this critical issue.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367860417