A new book has arrived right in time for the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade in the most perfect format possible to commemorate the landmark decision recently been struck down by the Supreme Court.
Like no other book out there, “In Trouble” exists as an anthology of abortion horror stories meant to create awareness for the right that has been ripped away.
“I hope the readers of ‘In Trouble’ will find what they need to carry on in the struggle for reproductive justice. Literature can be escapist or informative, inspirational or affirming, empowering or a way to feel like part of a community,” says co-editor E.F. Schraeder.
“In Trouble” features some all-star names from the horror literary community alongside midwestern authors who readers might be discovering for the first time.
All of the proceeds from book sales go straight to the National Network of Abortion Funds.
To learn more about the relevance of this book at this moment in time, The Buckeye Flame spoke with Schraeder and co-editor Elaine Schleiffer, both members of Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community.
Editor’s note: Elaine Schleiffer is the former Board President of The Buckeye Flame.
Why is this book so important?
Schleiffer: This book was brainstormed last year right after the news came out that Roe v. Wade was going to fall. Our first reaction was logistical, we wanted to do something that would create resources for reproductive justice. That’s why this is a charity project where all of the profits go to the National Network of Abortion Funds.
The second purpose was cultural and creative. I had never lived in a world without Roe, so it is really important to hear stories from all kinds of people, including people who did live through the pre-Roe years, or the people who lived in the early Roe years when access was still piecemeal, or people who are in my age group when abortion access really depends on where you live and how much money you have.
Producing this book was a channel for some blinding rage that we felt for having this very personal and foundational right taken away.
Elaine Schleiffer
My co-editor and I are both members of the queer community, and reproductive justice has been very personal in our families and background. Producing this book was a channel for some blinding rage that we felt for having this very personal and foundational right taken away. For myself I am a very loud abortion advocate and tell my story all the time. I have had two abortions. I tell that story a lot, especially in public because we don’t tell that story enough. E.F. and I were considering if we don’t tell this story of abortion access enough then we have to start telling the horror stories by not having abortion access.
Remind readers why abortion is an LGBTQ+ issue as well.
Schleiffer: I have been a queer community organizer for several years and sometimes it feels like the queer community can be a little quiet on this issue. I think it’s important to realize there are lived experiences of abortion all around us in the queer community.
Our community is one that is arguably better at telling very diverse experiences and holding on to stories that don’t fit neatly into other people’s buckets about how life gets organized. I want us to continue to lean into our skill in doing that.
Schraeder: Threats to autonomy and self-determination are not one-dimensional. All kinds of people can get pregnant, and inclusive language about who may need access to reproductive healthcare services is important to remember and center. Work found within the pages of “In Trouble” can remind folks about the potentialities and bring attention to how dangerous oversimplifications can be when they ignore vulnerable populations and the places where social justice movements connect.
What do you want people to get out of this book when they finish it?
Schleiffer: I hope that people who have abortion in their own personal or family histories will feel seen and that they will feel support and know they are not alone with their own fear or range. I hope that people who haven’t thought about abortion – or who haven’t had to worry about abortion access – have a very literal fear reaction to the horror stories in this book. In losing abortion access at the institutional level, we lose it for so many people who don’t have the private means or personal way to pay.
Schraeder: I hope the readers of “In Trouble” will find what they need to carry on in the struggle for reproductive justice. Literature can be escapist or informative, inspirational or affirming, empowering or a way to feel like part of a community. There are hopeful, angry, scary, and touching words in this book – the shared grief and rage is palpable, and the possibilities for change are endless. I hope this book is something that offers folks new ways of thinking about reproductive justice, wherever they are on the path of finding ways to connect and work toward a more just future.
Ignite Action:
- “In Trouble” is available right this very second and can be purchased here. 100% of net proceeds will benefit the National Network of Abortion Funds.
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