I was hooked before I even began reading – a former Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life — this was something I had to read! After reading the heart-wrenching first chapter, I couldn’t stop reading. Abby Johnson begins the book with the climax of the story – the moment she decided she was quite literally on the wrong side of the fence. She describes the horror of watching an ultrasound guided abortion for the first time and how it changed everything. She describes what was going through her mind at that crucial moment,
“How had it come to this? How had I let this happen? I had invested myself, my heart, my career in Planned Parenthood because I cared about women in crisis. And now I faced a crisis of my own. Looking back now on that late September day of 2009, I realize how wise God is for not revealing our future to us. Had I known then the firestorm I was about to endure, I might not have had the courage to move forward. As it was, since I didn’t know, I wasn’t yet looking for courage. I was, however, looking to understand how I found myself in this place—living a lie, spreading a lie, and hurting the very women I so wanted to help. And I desperately needed to know what to do next.”
Abby goes on to describe her conservative upbringing and how she was recruited by Planned Parenthood as an intern while in College. She was somewhat conflicted but very passionate about helping women in crisis. Volunteering turned to getting a job in the clinic and she eventually became the director of the clinic she used to volunteer in. During the whole story, she talks about the “Coalition for Life” sidewalk counselors that stood outside the fence and how their peaceful demeanor eventually helped win her over.
Unplanned: a heart-stopping personal drama of life-and-death encounters, a courtroom battle, and spiritual transformation. Abby’s unique vantage point from both sides of the abortion clinic property line shines light and compassion into the political controversy that surrounds this issue. (from the website)
One thing I struggle to understand is how so many people in our culture believe Planned Parenthood and even abortion to be helpful to women. I am bewildered how so many people value a woman’s choice and convenience over the human life growing inside the womb. Reading this book has helped me understand that a lot of people sincerely care about women but are deceived and believe lies. It has reminded me that I need to be gracious and prayerful as I stand up for the truth. God’s truth will prevail in the end, but we must be faithful to live out truth in our lives.
Rachel Joy 