The Book

If you read only one book about democracy, The Turnaway Study should be it. Why? Because without the power to make decisions about our own bodies, there is no democracy. Gloria Steinem

Foster listens to the “turnaway women,” and lets their stories, even more than her own scholarship, disrupt the accepted moral and political narratives that regulate access to abortion. Library Journal Review

Based on her groundbreaking 'turnaway' study, Dr. Foster's book offers the first in-depth look at the impact of being denied abortion on mental and physical health, economic wellbeing, relationships, and families. This should be required reading for every judge, member of Congress, and candidate for office — as well as anyone who hopes to better understand this complex and important issue. Cecile Richards

Their candid stories are riveting, sometimes surprising, and always illuminating — as are the study’s findings. There is 'no evidence that abortion hurts women,' the study concludes. 'For every outcome we analyzed, women who received an abortion were either the same or, more frequently, better off than women who were denied an abortion.' To those who assume women make the decision to abort rashly, the researchers found thoughtful deliberation. Required reading for anyone concerned about reproductive justice. Kirkus Review

Packed with informative charts and graphs, detailed discussions of state laws restricting abortion access, and thorough demographic analysis, Foster’s clearheaded account cuts through the noise surrounding this contentious issue. Policy makers and abortion rights activists should consider it a must-read. Publishers Weekly

Foster has spent the past 10 years investigating the outcomes for women who had or were denied abortions, tracking their emotional, physical and economic health. Foster’s findings are particularly relevant now, as the coronavirus pandemic, the economic downturn and ongoing efforts to restrict abortion access have made the procedure even more difficult for many to obtain. Huffington Post

The Turnaway Study will be understood, criticized, and used politically, however carefully conceived and painstakingly executed the research was. Given that inevitability, it’s worth underlining the most helpful political work that the study does. In light of its findings, the rationale for so many recent abortion restrictions—namely, that abortion is uniquely harmful to the people who choose it—simply topples. The New Yorker

Foster has succeeded in producing a book that will be indispensable to policy makers, lawyers, and advocates as they conduct evidence informed work to promote reproductive justice and improve the lives of women and children. The Turnaway Study is a call to action to trust women; a reminder that women make thoughtful decisions about their bodies, families, and future. Contraception