A new voice in literature is reshaping how we talk about reproductive health. A San Francisco-based women’s health physician channels real-life experience into fiction with her debut novel, I Trust Her Completely. The author, known for her op-eds and a prior memoir, Boundless: An Abortion Doctor Becomes a Mother, blends her roles as healer and parent to examine abortion through a compassionate, comprehensive lens. The May 6 launch arrives as global attention to reproductive health intensifies, offering Thai readers a fresh look at storytelling as activism.
The novel centers on two women: Josie, a queer writer trying to start a family, and Radhika, an abortion provider with a complex past. Their evolving friendship unfolds against San Francisco’s diverse cultural backdrop. Radhika’s character reflects the author’s belief that care must account for each patient’s unique circumstances within a broader social context.
Experts in reproductive health praise the book’s approach. A renowned UCSF demographer behind The Turnaway Study—research tracking the long-term effects of abortion access—says fiction fills a crucial gap in public dialogue. The demographer notes that understanding why a pregnancy might be unwanted requires insight into a person’s life, responsibilities, hopes, and dreams. For Thai readers, where abortion discussions often emphasize statistics or policy rather than lived experience, this narrative-rich perspective adds essential nuance.
The author has long explored clinical experience through essays. By turning to fiction, she gains freedom to explore difficult questions and emotions that may not fit a memoir’s boundaries. A mentor from Yale describes her writing as empathetic, brave, and insightful, with the new novel offering a realistic glimpse into how friendships endure—or fracture—under stress.
Since landmark policy changes in the United States, such as Roe v. Wade’s overturn, the author has observed a rise in out-of-state patients seeking abortion care, reflecting broader trends of reproductive tourism and health inequity. While San Francisco remains relatively stable for her practice, stigma around abortion persists. She notes that despite heightened media attention, “there is still stigma; it can feel like hitting a wall.” This sentiment resonates with Thai audiences as well, where recent reforms still face social barriers and uneven access to reproductive health services.
Remarkably, the author chose to self-publish both her memoir and novel, highlighting continued industry hesitance toward abortion-related books. Small but meaningful victories—like partnering with local bookstores to donate portions of sales to reproductive justice organizations—demonstrate how individual and community efforts can advance the conversation. Bookstore managers emphasize that hearing abortion stories from practitioners deeply engaged in the work fosters empathy and understanding.
For Thailand, where abortion was partially decriminalized in 2021 but comprehensive reproductive education and services remain incomplete, this wave of narrative activism offers important lessons. Medical professionals and advocates increasingly recognize that policy change relies on empathy, storytelling, and an understanding of diverse lived experiences. The author’s work shows how blending clinical knowledge with storytelling can make complex debates tangible and relatable for a wider audience.
Historically, silence and stigma around reproductive health have global roots, often fueled by a lack of approachable personal narratives in public media. As Thai society continues to examine moral and legal questions about reproductive rights, novels and memoirs from healthcare professionals can help humanize the discussion. They offer a model for Thai authors and doctors to share authentic stories, promoting open, informed dialogue about personal choice and well-being.
Looking ahead, Thailand faces ongoing stigma and barriers to equitable reproductive health services. Beyond policy reform, cultural change is essential. Encouraging Thai medical practitioners, educators, and writers to share their authentic stories—through media, literature, or public talks—could drive meaningful progress. Readers can engage by seeking personal narratives, supporting comprehensive sex education, and backing community health initiatives that promote reproductive rights.
For practical action, Thai readers are encouraged to explore local reproductive health resources and support organizations advancing reproductive justice. By linking research, professional perspectives, and storytelling, this physician-author’s work offers a pathway to a more empathetic and informed debate on reproductive rights in Thailand and beyond.