Dr. Martha Paynter Book Launch @ Gallery on Queen
Schedule
Sat, 20 Sep, 2025 at 04:00 pm
UTC-03:00Location
Gallery on Queen | Fredericton, NB
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Westminster Bookmark is pleased to be the bookseller at the upcoming launch for Dr. Martha Paynter's new book, Lawless: Abortion under Complete Decriminalization (Fernwood Publishing). This free event takes place on Saturday, September 20th, 4pm, at Gallery on Queen (406 Queen St.).
Dr. Tobin Leblanc Haley will join Dr. Paynter for a discussion about the book. Copies will be available for purchase and signing.
ABOUT LAWLESS: Canada is the only country with complete decriminalization of abortion: no gestational duration limitations, no parental consent obligations, and no waiting periods. In recent years, other countries (New Zealand, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico) have made strides toward this, while the United States has notoriously lost ground. Amidst the tumult, nurse and scholar Martha Paynter uses historical context and contemporary issues to explain why experts advocate against laws governing abortion.
Despite decriminalization, Canadian federal and provincial legislation and regulations about health funding, delivery, and human rights all shape how abortion care is delivered. Barriers persist in uneven access, unclear information, and belief-based denial of care.
In accessible plain language from the expansive perspective of a clinician, researcher and activist, Paynter describes abortion policy, practice and experience and discusses how to resolve challenges that continue more than three decades after Canada became the world's most legally progressive jurisdiction for abortion.
REVIEWS:
"As an international reader, I was fascinated by the history of Canada’s abortion law reform and the continued struggle to ensure access to affordable, compassionate, and timely care. Understanding the Canadian journey is critical to countries like the UK, teetering on the brink of law reform and decriminalization, and Lawless guides the reader through the successes and challenges in that journey so far."
-Dr. John Reynolds-Wright, University of Edinburgh
"Lawless is a compelling exploration of what full decriminalization of abortion can achieve — and what it cannot. Drawing on Canada’s experience and international evidence, Martha Paynter shows why real reproductive autonomy demands more than legal reform alone. A vital read for anyone committed to advancing health, dignity, and equality." -Dr. Patricia A. Lohr, Director of Research and Innovation, British Pregnancy Advisory Service
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Martha Paynter has worked to advance abortion access in Canada for over 20 years. A writer, nurse and public scholar, she is recognized internationally for her expertise at the nexus of reproductive and prisoner health. Paynter's roles include assistant professor at the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Nursing; director of nursing research for the Contraception and Abortion Research Team; and affiliate scientist for the Reproductive Options and Services (ROSE) Clinic at Nova Scotia Health.
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Where is it happening?
Gallery on Queen, 406 Rue Queen, Fredericton, NB E3B 1B6, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
