Abortion is one of the most contentious topics of the day, intersecting with profound medical, legal, and personal dimensions. It is not merely a medical procedure, but a deeply personal decision that raises fundamental questions about the role of the state and society in individual health choices.

The debate surrounding abortion varies widely across different countries and legal systems. In many countries, abortion has been subject to strict regulation, while in others, it has been more accessible. Debates on abortion rights encompass historical, cultural, medical, and legal perspectives, each influencing individual beliefs and societal norms. The medical discourse addresses safety, procedural, and health implications, while legal frameworks vary significantly, often reflecting broader societal tensions between women’s rights and governmental authority. 

On a personal level, decisions about abortion are shaped by women’s circumstances, including personal beliefs, socioeconomic status, and health considerations, with significant emotional and psychological effects. In Iraq, abortion is illegal under the penal code, with a severe penalty for doctors performing the procedure. In the Kurdistan Region, abortion is permitted under the Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities law. In life-threatening cases, patients must obtain consent from their husband and approval from a committee of five physicians.

Released in 2024 and edited by Savan Abdulrahman – a distinguished writer, researcher, translator, and founder of the Tema group – 91 Days offers a thorough exploration of abortion through an interdisciplinary lens and is, most importantly, written in Kurdish. The book spans 14 chapters, each examining a different facet of abortion: from historical, philosophical, and political perspectives to medical, psychological, and legal insights, along with real-life narratives and artistic reflections. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a nuanced dialogue about abortion in society. 

The book begins with a historical chapter that traces humanity’s earliest discussions on abortion, from ancient texts like the Ebers Papyrus and the Code of Hammurabi to the philosophical works of Plato and Aristotle. The chapter on philosophy then challenges readers to reconsider ethical and moral questions surrounding abortion, prompting a deeper reflection on longstanding beliefs. The chapter on politics reveals how abortion has been used as a political tool throughout history, influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes. This is then followed by a chapter on demographics, which examines population trends and statistics related to births, deaths, and income.

In the chapter on sociology, 91 Days constructs a theoretical framework that reflects diverse social perspectives on abortion, while the legal chapter clarifies the regulations governing abortion, helping readers understand the complex legal landscape. A dedicated chapter on religion explores various religious views on abortion, while the data chapter presents public opinions and societal attitudes. The medical chapter addresses myths and realities, comparing different medical systems and exploring health implications and procedures, and the stories chapter shares real-life experiences of women who have faced abortion, adding a personal and emotional dimension.

The final chapters include a manifesto that provides a feminist perspective and a discussion on how literature and art have shaped societal views of abortion, illustrating how these creative forms reflect and shape public opinion. The final chapter on education emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sex education in fostering informed and thoughtful discussions about abortion.

In the process of reviewing 91 Days, I had the opportunity to interview Savan to gain further insight into the work and its impact. Here is what she shared:

Shazin Jaf (SJ): What motivated you to commission a book on abortion and reproductive health, and how did personal experiences or societal issues shape your decision?

Savan Abdulrahman (SA): Working on 91 Days brought significant personal growth. Our focus group discussions with youth revealed that issues like freedom of speech and choice were closely tied to unwanted pregnancies. I realized that addressing reproductive health could also highlight broader themes of personal freedom. By exploring reproductive choices, we emphasized that controlling one’s decisions is fundamental to personal freedom and extends to other areas of life.

SJ: How has the reception of the book affected your perspective on reproductive health or your role as an author?

SA: The reception has been a transformative journey. Over the four years of working on it, despite my extensive knowledge and multilingual skills, I encountered new insights and deepened my understanding of reproductive health. Engaging with experts and readers has significantly broadened my perspective, making the project a profound learning experience.

SJ: What barriers did you face writing this book?

SA: I faced several barriers, primarily societal resistance to discussing abortion. Many people dismissed the topic as taboo, shutting down conversations with arguments and judgments. Financial constraints also posed a challenge. My team and I worked voluntarily for most of the project, and only in the final year did we receive humanitarian funding. Balancing this with our professional careers was demanding, and it felt like managing two full-time jobs.

SJ: How do you see your book fitting into the larger conversation about reproductive health and rights? Are there other works or voices you think complement or contrast with yours?

SA: In Kurdistan, 91 Days is unique because comprehensive work on abortion is scarce. Our book, with its 14 chapters, offers an in-depth exploration of the topic. While a few organizations in Erbil and Dohuk are making efforts to raise awareness, our book fills a crucial gap by fostering understanding and debate in a region where such discussions are limited. Its depth and coverage in a field with few resources stand out.

SJ: What barriers prevent Kurdish women from accessing information about reproductive health?

SA: Key barriers include lacking educational resources and information in schools and universities. Unlike other parts of the world where sex education starts early, Kurdish education systems do not cover reproductive health. Additionally, there is a shortage of information in Kurdish, making it hard for many to access critical information. Our book aims to bridge these gaps by providing comprehensive information on abortion in Kurdish.

SJ: How do you think the landscape of reproductive health might change in the coming years, and how could future editions or follow-ups to your book address these changes?

SA: It’s uncertain how the landscape will evolve, but creating a discussion platform is essential. I hope future publications build on this foundation and that more people will advocate for reproductive rights. The book provides a base of knowledge that can support future actions and strategic plans to advance the topic.

SJ: Have there been any unexpected reactions or feedback from readers that you found particularly meaningful or surprising?

SA: Yes, some feedback was surprising. Some worried that the book would encourage irresponsible behavior among youth. However, our goal is to provide accurate information to help people make informed decisions, not to promote abortion. We aim to offer guidance on preventing unwanted pregnancies and making thoughtful choices about when to have children.

91 Days stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and the diverse expertise of its contributors. It offers valuable insights for Kurdish women, helping them understand their experiences within a broader historical and societal context. The book also fosters understanding among Kurdish men, promoting respect for women’s choices. The collaboration among authors from various fields enhances the book’s credibility and provides a holistic view of the topic. Ultimately, this book serves as a timely and relevant resource, particularly in societies where cultural and social taboos often constrain discussions about abortion.

One area for improvement is the treatment of legal legislation related to abortion in Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). While the book touches on legal topics, these discussions could be more cohesive if consolidated into a dedicated chapter focusing specifically on KRG regulations. This would offer readers a clearer understanding of the local legal framework. Additionally, the book’s marketing strategy could be strengthened. Engaging more actively with younger demographics through social media and community events could enhance its visibility and impact.

Despite these areas for improvement, 91 Days is a significant achievement in addressing a complex and sensitive topic. It combines empirical data with personal narratives to foster a deeper understanding and empathy. The final section, which recounts personal stories of women affected by abortion, is particularly moving and underscores the human cost of restrictive policies and societal pressures.

I recommend this book to politicians, policymakers, scholars, and general readers. It thoroughly examines abortion from multiple perspectives and can inform discussions and decisions in both academic and practical contexts. Ultimately, 91 Days is a vital resource for those seeking comprehensive and compassionate insights into the multifaceted topic of abortion.

Shazin Jaf is Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff at Canada’s House of Commons and holds a bachelor’s degree in Diplomacy and Public Relations.