Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Tyndale Momentum (2019), Edition: Enlarged, 304 pages
Description
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, crossed the line to join the Coalition for Life. --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 Abby's story from both sides of the abortion clinic property line, this book is a must-have for anyone who cares about the life-versus-rights debate and helping women who face crisis pregnancies. Now available in complete and unabridged audio.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Karbie
What a great story! It chronicles Abby Johnson's story from abortion clinic director to pro-life advocate. One quote from the book that I loved: "Never trust a decision you wouldn't want your mother to know about." She shows through her story how abortion affects every area of your life even if you
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don't realize it and is not just an event you can put behind you. It changes you and not for the better. Show Less
LibraryThing member PamelaBarrett
The word abortion polarizes people—you are either for it or against it. A line drawn in the sand; a fence metaphorically and literally that forces you to choose sides. It effects all aspects of life; personally, politically, monetarily and spiritually. Unplanned shows us both sides: an inside
By the time Abby Johnson started college she knew she wanted to help women in crisis. During her junior year, at a volunteer opportunities fair at her college, she met a woman from Planned Parenthood that showed her how she could do just that by volunteering for them. Abby wasn’t so sure about the abortion part, having been raised in a Christian home, but she was reassured by talk of all the other things they offered women, such as preventing pregnancies. With the hope of making abortion rare she signed up.
This is her story of going from volunteer to being the Director of a Planned Parenthood Clinic; it is an honest look at her journey, and a revealing look at the secret she kept from her family and even from herself. It is also an illuminating look at the pro life members on the other side of the fence: good and bad. How Abby Johnson crossed over to eventually join the Coalition for Life was a miracle years in the making. I highly recommend this intriguing book, and also Won by Love by Norma McCorvey who is the woman who was Jane Roe of Roe vs Wade.
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look by someone who has been on each side of that fence. By the time Abby Johnson started college she knew she wanted to help women in crisis. During her junior year, at a volunteer opportunities fair at her college, she met a woman from Planned Parenthood that showed her how she could do just that by volunteering for them. Abby wasn’t so sure about the abortion part, having been raised in a Christian home, but she was reassured by talk of all the other things they offered women, such as preventing pregnancies. With the hope of making abortion rare she signed up.
This is her story of going from volunteer to being the Director of a Planned Parenthood Clinic; it is an honest look at her journey, and a revealing look at the secret she kept from her family and even from herself. It is also an illuminating look at the pro life members on the other side of the fence: good and bad. How Abby Johnson crossed over to eventually join the Coalition for Life was a miracle years in the making. I highly recommend this intriguing book, and also Won by Love by Norma McCorvey who is the woman who was Jane Roe of Roe vs Wade.
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LibraryThing member ByfordBaptist
unPLANNED – Abby Johnson
This is a book that once I had begun to read I could not, as the saying goes, “put it down”. I hesitate to commence this review with a negative thought but I must confess from the start that this is a book I would not normally have read; a book for the ladies and a bit
Abortion, for that is what the book is basically about, is perhaps one of the most controversial (and emotional) areas under discussion today. A subject about which many extreme views are held - on both sides of the fence - and a subject that can be guaranteed to cause hot debate (and even, sadly, violence) whenever and wherever it’s discussed. I must add at this point that if you are looking for a book that goes into great detail and reasoning on the various views (of the pros and cons of abortion) then this is not for you. It simply tells the story of one person’s (Abby Johnson) journey over several years from belonging to one ‘camp’ and to moving to the other. It is written simply and, I believe, honestly, and occasionally disturbingly so.
To quote from the cover of the book, “Abby Johnson joined a pro choice organisation (in the US) as a college student because she wanted to help women in crisis – a goal she believed the organisation shared. As she rose through the ranks to become a clinic director, however, things started to shift. Finances grew tighter, clinic practices changed, and Abby became increasingly unsettled about what she was being asked to do. But it wasn’t until she helped perform an actual abortion procedure that Abby fully realised what she’d been part of all those years.”
Abbey commenced her association with Planned Parenthood as a volunteer in 2001 and her role included escorting women from their cars to the clinic, helping with paperwork, being compassionate and making women generally cared for. One of the major goals of the clinic was, to ‘make abortions rare” and to provide education regarding birth control. In her own words, Abby “could not wait to get started”. After only a few years during which she was involved in media work on behalf of Planned Parenthood, she was eventually promoted to the position of director at a clinic in Bryan, Texas. In 2008 she was recognized as "employee of the year."
Throughout the book Abby contrasts the work of Planned Parenthood, which, you may recall is basically a pro-choice organization with the work done by their “opponents” the pro life group, Coalition for Life. We are introduced to a number of pro life characters some of which stand and pray quietly outside the clinic, whilst other, more extreme, folk paraded anti abortion banners and placards, with one fellow even going so far as to dress up as the Grim Reaper. The book goes into some details regarding the inter play between the two groups and the various methods of communication used. I found the contrast between the two groups fascinating and quite revealing, for example how they both operate, the different life views and different behaviors.
Abby’s own views whilst they had been changing gradually were challenged very dramatically one day when she was asked to help in an actual abortion procedure. This event was to turn Abby’s life and values around 180 degrees. The description in the book of the procedure itself (an ultrasound guided abortion) whilst graphic and honestly portrayed is not over stated. In my view enough detail is given as to leave no doubt of the horror of the process but is not done gratuitously. On a personal level, as a reader, I was told what I needed to know and no more. For me that was enough. After the abortion Abby joined the Coalition for Life and she has been active in that movement ever since.
The part of the book where Abby describes her feelings and emotions as she makes the momentous step of crossing the street to join the “enemy” was for me one of the most powerful parts of the book. So much so I read it several times. Here is a woman, well known, respected and admired within her own organization, realising with conviction and admitting that the position she supported and worked for was, in her own mind, wrong and, with the courage of her convictions, spoke out. Not only to speak out, but to act. Truly the high point of the book.
This book is, in some respects an “easy read”. Not too long, well written and set at an easy pace – I read it in two or three sittings. What makes it a “difficult” read, however, is the subject under discussion. Some perhaps, due to personal experience may find it a little too close to home. It is a book too that can easily be lent to a non Christian friend as although there is what I call, Christian “noise” in the background (and indeed Biblical passages” are quoted from time to time) there is no obvious Christian agenda other than the pro choice / pro life viewpoint. (And that should be obvious anyway from a casual look at the back cover).
Unplanned is a must read.
Dave B.
This is a book that once I had begun to read I could not, as the saying goes, “put it down”. I hesitate to commence this review with a negative thought but I must confess from the start that this is a book I would not normally have read; a book for the ladies and a bit
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boring was my rather uncharitable thought as my wife Karen showed it to me after the purchase. However when I looked through and scanned the pages briefly – more out of politeness rather from a real, genuine interest if truth be told – I could not but be grabbed by the story. How wrong I was to judge it so dismissively, and so quickly. A lesson was learnt and I read on!Abortion, for that is what the book is basically about, is perhaps one of the most controversial (and emotional) areas under discussion today. A subject about which many extreme views are held - on both sides of the fence - and a subject that can be guaranteed to cause hot debate (and even, sadly, violence) whenever and wherever it’s discussed. I must add at this point that if you are looking for a book that goes into great detail and reasoning on the various views (of the pros and cons of abortion) then this is not for you. It simply tells the story of one person’s (Abby Johnson) journey over several years from belonging to one ‘camp’ and to moving to the other. It is written simply and, I believe, honestly, and occasionally disturbingly so.
To quote from the cover of the book, “Abby Johnson joined a pro choice organisation (in the US) as a college student because she wanted to help women in crisis – a goal she believed the organisation shared. As she rose through the ranks to become a clinic director, however, things started to shift. Finances grew tighter, clinic practices changed, and Abby became increasingly unsettled about what she was being asked to do. But it wasn’t until she helped perform an actual abortion procedure that Abby fully realised what she’d been part of all those years.”
Abbey commenced her association with Planned Parenthood as a volunteer in 2001 and her role included escorting women from their cars to the clinic, helping with paperwork, being compassionate and making women generally cared for. One of the major goals of the clinic was, to ‘make abortions rare” and to provide education regarding birth control. In her own words, Abby “could not wait to get started”. After only a few years during which she was involved in media work on behalf of Planned Parenthood, she was eventually promoted to the position of director at a clinic in Bryan, Texas. In 2008 she was recognized as "employee of the year."
Throughout the book Abby contrasts the work of Planned Parenthood, which, you may recall is basically a pro-choice organization with the work done by their “opponents” the pro life group, Coalition for Life. We are introduced to a number of pro life characters some of which stand and pray quietly outside the clinic, whilst other, more extreme, folk paraded anti abortion banners and placards, with one fellow even going so far as to dress up as the Grim Reaper. The book goes into some details regarding the inter play between the two groups and the various methods of communication used. I found the contrast between the two groups fascinating and quite revealing, for example how they both operate, the different life views and different behaviors.
Abby’s own views whilst they had been changing gradually were challenged very dramatically one day when she was asked to help in an actual abortion procedure. This event was to turn Abby’s life and values around 180 degrees. The description in the book of the procedure itself (an ultrasound guided abortion) whilst graphic and honestly portrayed is not over stated. In my view enough detail is given as to leave no doubt of the horror of the process but is not done gratuitously. On a personal level, as a reader, I was told what I needed to know and no more. For me that was enough. After the abortion Abby joined the Coalition for Life and she has been active in that movement ever since.
The part of the book where Abby describes her feelings and emotions as she makes the momentous step of crossing the street to join the “enemy” was for me one of the most powerful parts of the book. So much so I read it several times. Here is a woman, well known, respected and admired within her own organization, realising with conviction and admitting that the position she supported and worked for was, in her own mind, wrong and, with the courage of her convictions, spoke out. Not only to speak out, but to act. Truly the high point of the book.
This book is, in some respects an “easy read”. Not too long, well written and set at an easy pace – I read it in two or three sittings. What makes it a “difficult” read, however, is the subject under discussion. Some perhaps, due to personal experience may find it a little too close to home. It is a book too that can easily be lent to a non Christian friend as although there is what I call, Christian “noise” in the background (and indeed Biblical passages” are quoted from time to time) there is no obvious Christian agenda other than the pro choice / pro life viewpoint. (And that should be obvious anyway from a casual look at the back cover).
Unplanned is a must read.
Dave B.
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LibraryThing member herdingcats
Abby Johnson shares her story of how she became involved with the Planned Parenthood organization in order to help women by providing them with birth control in order to prevent and reduce the number of abortions. She loved helping women so much that she eventually became the director of the
I appreciate the fact that Abby presents a fair and balanced view of both sides of the issue. I found it sad that she experienced rejection from two different churches - one because she worked at an abortion clinic and later, another church because she had quit the clinic and was no longer seen as pro-choice.
I appreciate that the Coalition for Life just prays for and helps women and does not participate in the killing of abortion doctors and bombing of clinics and other outrageous things like that.
I also like that they pray for the people who work for and volunteer at the Planned Parenthood clinics.
I personally have always thought that both of the groups - those that are pro-choice and those that are anti-abortion are too extreme and I have been offended by the ones with the graphic signs and appalled by those who justify murdering doctors because they see it as saving lives.
I hope that Abby's group prays for those extremists as well.
I think this book really shows the power of prayer and it's role in Abby's life.
I found this book to be very thought provoking.
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Planned Parenthood clinic in Bryan, Tx. She shares her experiences through the years with the Coalition for Life group that prayed on the other side of the fence at her clinic trying to talk women out of getting abortions. Eventually, after 8 years, she assisted in an abortion and actually seeing what happens along with the fact that, for the first time, Planned Parenthood had given her a goal of increasing the number of abortions at her clinic in order to bring in revenue, Abby changed her mind and joined the "other side". I appreciate the fact that Abby presents a fair and balanced view of both sides of the issue. I found it sad that she experienced rejection from two different churches - one because she worked at an abortion clinic and later, another church because she had quit the clinic and was no longer seen as pro-choice.
I appreciate that the Coalition for Life just prays for and helps women and does not participate in the killing of abortion doctors and bombing of clinics and other outrageous things like that.
I also like that they pray for the people who work for and volunteer at the Planned Parenthood clinics.
I personally have always thought that both of the groups - those that are pro-choice and those that are anti-abortion are too extreme and I have been offended by the ones with the graphic signs and appalled by those who justify murdering doctors because they see it as saving lives.
I hope that Abby's group prays for those extremists as well.
I think this book really shows the power of prayer and it's role in Abby's life.
I found this book to be very thought provoking.
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LibraryThing member 19vatermit64
Unplanned, by Abby Johnson
St. Augustine has one of the most famous conversion stories. In the midst of his anguish, not being strong enough to throw off his life of sin, he chances to hear a child calling out the command of a game. 'Pick up and read' prompted him to reach for a nearby Bible, and he
Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy:
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.
And that's how it all started for St. Augustine - sort of. For those who have read the Confessions of St. Augustine, one knows that he struggled for a long time, trying to make that last break from his life. Heck, he managed to write a good sized book about it! Seriously, though, Augustine had to deal with the problem of knowing the right thing to do but not being able to just do it. It takes him a long time, but thanks to the Grace of God and a lot of prayers from his mother, he does enter the Church, become a priest, then a bishop, and is now recognized as a saint.
Abby Johnson's book follows a similar pattern. She recalls her recruitment into the Planned Parenthood organization, and her eventual advancement to managing an abortuary in East Texas. She begins to question the policies of the organization; in particular, she finds that money is the ultimate motivator for Planned Parenthood. At the same time, she begins to have doubts about the abortions being performed. This inner struggle culminates with the day she assists at an abortion. She held the ultrasound probe for the doctor, and therefore watched the little infant torn apart on the viewing screen.
Shortly afterward, Johnson leaves Planned Parenthood, but she still faced challenges - both personal and legal - as she became a spokeswoman for the Pro-Life movement.
I strongly recommend this book. It shows the real purpose for Planned Parenthood: to generate income at the expense of women who are under extreme stress.
St. Augustine has one of the most famous conversion stories. In the midst of his anguish, not being strong enough to throw off his life of sin, he chances to hear a child calling out the command of a game. 'Pick up and read' prompted him to reach for a nearby Bible, and he
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started reading the first lines that caught his eyes, St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans: Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy:
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.
And that's how it all started for St. Augustine - sort of. For those who have read the Confessions of St. Augustine, one knows that he struggled for a long time, trying to make that last break from his life. Heck, he managed to write a good sized book about it! Seriously, though, Augustine had to deal with the problem of knowing the right thing to do but not being able to just do it. It takes him a long time, but thanks to the Grace of God and a lot of prayers from his mother, he does enter the Church, become a priest, then a bishop, and is now recognized as a saint.
Abby Johnson's book follows a similar pattern. She recalls her recruitment into the Planned Parenthood organization, and her eventual advancement to managing an abortuary in East Texas. She begins to question the policies of the organization; in particular, she finds that money is the ultimate motivator for Planned Parenthood. At the same time, she begins to have doubts about the abortions being performed. This inner struggle culminates with the day she assists at an abortion. She held the ultrasound probe for the doctor, and therefore watched the little infant torn apart on the viewing screen.
Shortly afterward, Johnson leaves Planned Parenthood, but she still faced challenges - both personal and legal - as she became a spokeswoman for the Pro-Life movement.
I strongly recommend this book. It shows the real purpose for Planned Parenthood: to generate income at the expense of women who are under extreme stress.
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LibraryThing member gaillamontagne
I loved how real this book presents the life journey of an idealistic young girl who is out to make a difference in the world. She grows up and makes a very significant difference in a way she never expected. Don't be afraid to read this book if you are pro-choice. It reveals, it does not condemn.
LibraryThing member sparkleandchico
This challenging book details the battle between pro-life and pro-choice groups in America. The story is told by Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director, supervising and overseeing abortions in her clinic, but now a leading advocate for pro-life groups.
Abby begins by explaining why she
PP began placing pressure on Abby to increase revenue by increasing the number of abortions at her clinic. Her conscience had actually been at work in convicting her from the outset as she was from a pro-life family with a belief in God. She also formed good relationships with the pro-lifers who peacefully and faithfully protested outside her clinic at all hours. They were praying specifically for Abby to see the truth and for the clinic to close having set up their Coalition for Life office for that purpose.......
This was an easy read containing both moving moments and times of frustration. Abby's decision in the end was more of a moral or natural one due to having seen first hand the horrors of abortion rather than it being a spiritual decision. She didn't make the decision on the basis that only God has the right to decide when to take a life but her decision was partly for religious reasons in that she recognised the sin of abortion and the long-term consequences. She includes the Gospel message in her story recognising that Jesus died on the cross for her sin. Despite this, I read that she later, in 2012, became a Catholic. I found that a little surprising.
Abby now runs a charity And Then There Were None which assists clinic workers to leave their jobs in the abortion industry.
This book is an eye opener for anyone who sits on the fence in relation to abortion and will help to expose the goals of secular organisations carrying out these procedures who claim to be helping women. They are the same as any other business, in it for the money, and will do whatever it takes to keep their clients coming.
I recommend this book for all Christians. I found the writing a little long-winded at times and a tad repetitive hence the less than perfect rating. There is no bad language or sexual content. There is violence--the graphic description of an abortion procedure, but it is necessary in this instance to open the eyes of the blind to what is actually happening--the murder of a baby.
Abby begins by explaining why she
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left Planned Parenthood--she witnessed an abortion procedure and for the first time understood that she has just participated in the killing of a child. She originally joined PP believing she could help women and reduce the number of abortions by offering birth control advice and family planning. She makes a compelling case that many of the staff working for PP also believe they are doing the same. It is perhaps not surprising (from a spiritual perspective,) to learn how many of these women also feel a deep-seated unease about their jobs. PP began placing pressure on Abby to increase revenue by increasing the number of abortions at her clinic. Her conscience had actually been at work in convicting her from the outset as she was from a pro-life family with a belief in God. She also formed good relationships with the pro-lifers who peacefully and faithfully protested outside her clinic at all hours. They were praying specifically for Abby to see the truth and for the clinic to close having set up their Coalition for Life office for that purpose.......
This was an easy read containing both moving moments and times of frustration. Abby's decision in the end was more of a moral or natural one due to having seen first hand the horrors of abortion rather than it being a spiritual decision. She didn't make the decision on the basis that only God has the right to decide when to take a life but her decision was partly for religious reasons in that she recognised the sin of abortion and the long-term consequences. She includes the Gospel message in her story recognising that Jesus died on the cross for her sin. Despite this, I read that she later, in 2012, became a Catholic. I found that a little surprising.
Abby now runs a charity And Then There Were None which assists clinic workers to leave their jobs in the abortion industry.
This book is an eye opener for anyone who sits on the fence in relation to abortion and will help to expose the goals of secular organisations carrying out these procedures who claim to be helping women. They are the same as any other business, in it for the money, and will do whatever it takes to keep their clients coming.
I recommend this book for all Christians. I found the writing a little long-winded at times and a tad repetitive hence the less than perfect rating. There is no bad language or sexual content. There is violence--the graphic description of an abortion procedure, but it is necessary in this instance to open the eyes of the blind to what is actually happening--the murder of a baby.
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LibraryThing member parapreacher
Very moving story and better than the movie!
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
8.1 inches
ISBN
1414396546 / 9781414396545