A children’s book, slated for release in 2026, is sparking intense debate with its unusual premise: celebrating abortion as a “superpower.” Titled “Abortion Is Everything,” the book is aimed at children between the ages of five and eight, introducing a deeply complex and sensitive topic in a way that is raising profound concerns.
The book is the creation of the activist group Shout Your Abortion, who describe it as a direct conversation starter for young children. They intend to explain what abortion is, explore the emotions surrounding it, and discuss the reasons why individuals choose this path.
According to the group’s own description, “Abortion Is Everything” reframes the procedure not as a difficult decision, but as an expression of uniquely human power – the ability to envision and actively shape one’s future. It suggests abortion is a tool for destiny, a force that has fundamentally altered the world.
The book, written by artist and educator Rachel Kessler and activist Amelia Bonow, with illustrations by Emily Nokes, is presented as a means to “rewrite our cultural scripts about abortion” at a foundational level. The intention is to empower both parents and children to engage in open dialogue about this often-taboo subject.
Sarah Gabel Seifert, CEO and co-founder of EveryLife and a mother of two daughters, expressed deep concern over the book’s target audience. She believes presenting such messaging to children as young as five is profoundly troubling, going beyond normalization to actively framing abortion as a positive virtue.
“Abortion is not ‘everything,’” Gabel Seifert stated. “Abortion ends everything. It ends a life.” She argues that children deserve a narrative centered on the inherent value and dignity of every human life, a life that should be cherished and protected from the very beginning.
Gabel Seifert views the book as a stark representation of a “culture of death,” emphasizing the importance of parents proactively teaching their children about the sanctity of life from conception. She believes early, truthful conversations are crucial in shaping a child’s understanding of this fundamental principle.
The core of the concern lies in the potential impact on young, impressionable minds. Introducing such a complex and emotionally charged topic through the lens of empowerment and “superpower” raises questions about how children will process the gravity and finality of abortion.
This book represents a significant point of contention, forcing a broader conversation about how – and when – sensitive topics like abortion are discussed with children, and what narratives should shape their understanding of life and its value.
