Margaret Sparrow

In 19th-Century New Zealand women obtained abortions by whatever means they could, despite the dangers of poisoning, haemorrhage, and infection, and abortionists did their work despite the threat of long prison sentences or even the death penalty. Those who survived abortions and did not suffer complications were unlikely to talk publicly about it, so this title tells the story of those who didn't survive or suffered complications through extensive research into coroners’ reports and newspaper accounts. The book shows the brutal and shocking conditions desperate pregnant faced women back then and how far New Zealand has come in the battle for women to control their own fertility. It also shows that we have some way to go in our battle for equal rights. Well researched, well written stories that needed to be told.… (meer)