Unplanned

"My story is not a comfortable one to read. I think it's only fair to warn you of that up front. Not comfortable, but honest and true. As you are about to discover, I've spent years on the front lines of the face-off between pro-choice and pro-life advocates. Which side? Both sides. ÔÇ£

Abby Johnson quit her job in October 2009. That simple act became a national news story because Abby was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas who, after participating in her first actual abortion procedure, walked across the road to join the Coalition for Life. Now this former clinic director reveals the details of her dramatic move from abortion rights advocate to "the right side of the fence" and the pro-life movement.

Johnson began as a volunteer, moving through the ranks until becoming director of the clinic in Bryan, Texas. But after witnessing an ultrasound-guided abortion, she changed. "I was taking a new stand, beginning a new life," she says of her move to the other side. This emotional account reveals Johnson's remarkable journey through pro-choice thinking, two abortions, her love/hate relationship with pro-life advocates outside the clinic, and her eventual understanding of abortion.

Unplanned is a heart-stopping personal drama of life-and-death encounters, a courtroom battle, and spiritual transformation that speaks hope and compassion into the political controversy that surrounds this issue. Telling AbbyÔÇÖs story from both sides of the abortion clinic property line, this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the life versus rights debate and helping women who face crisis pregnancies.

ÔÇ£I've rarely been so riveted or so moved by a book. All I can say is everyone who cares about life should read this book. Everyone who considers themselves pro-choice should read this book. Everyone who thinks they understand what Planned Parenthood's agenda is should read this book. Everyone who has been hurt by past abortions or is considering abortion should read this book.ÔÇ£ - online review

ÔÇ£Abby Johnson's story is remarkable. Not just because it is rare for someone to make such a dramatic about face, but also because of the compassion and honesty with which she tells her story. It seems to be human nature to demonize people who think differently than we do, especially when they are on the opposite side of an issue as divisive and emotion laden as abortion, but Abby doesn't do that. She understands and sees goodness in people on both sides, and displays an unusual empathy even for people who betrayed and hurt her.ÔÇØ - online review

ÔÇ£I read this book in one day, not wanting to put it down. Abby's story paints a beautiful picture of both sides of this heated line. I was touched by the mercy and compassion and love that was shown for people who have differing opinions than their own. For anyone who wants to go behind the scenes, this is a must-read. ÔÇ£ - online review

ÔÇ£I am so grateful to Abby for writing this book! It is well written, straightforward, honest and brutally true.ÔÇØ - online review