New book shines a light on abortion access
A new book from Island Studies Press will examine and compare the stories of abortion access in Prince Edward Island and Ireland. Crossing Troubled Waters: Abortion in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Prince Edward Island is co-edited by UPEI’s Dr. Colleen MacQuarrie. The book launches Monday, November 19 at 4:00 pm in Schurman Market Square of UPEI’s Don and Marion McDougall Hall.
Crossing Troubled Waters shines a light on two islands—Ireland (north and south) and Prince Edward Island, Canada—and considers for each island, the nature of the discourse of abortion on the island, the impact that restrictions have had, ongoing efforts to improve access, and recent activist successes. Island Studies Press is proud to publish this pivotal academic text that is rooted in local research and activism.
Accessing abortion services is challenging in many countries around the world. Barriers result from poor access to healthcare, geographic location, legal restrictions, abortion stigma, and moral conservatism. Repeated studies indicate restricting access to abortion does not prevent it happening, but rather displaces it and often results in unsafe abortion contributing to maternal mortality. Those living on islands face particular challenges presented by their geographic isolation, including travel to other jurisdictions, which is financially and emotionally burdensome.
Crossing Troubled Waters: Abortion in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Prince Edward Island is co-edited by Dr. Colleen MacQuarrie, Fiona Bloomer, Claire Pierson, and Shannon Stettner. Dr. MacQuarrie is a professor of psychology at UPEI and a co-founding member of the Abortion Rights Network, Abortion Access Now PEI, and RAARN, the Reproductive Activism and Abortion Rights Network.
Please join Island Studies Press in celebrating this new book. For more information about the book or the launch, please contact Bren at ispstaff@upei.ca or call (902) 566-0386.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
