Behind Bulletproof Glass

My Story About Prenatal Testing and Abortion in the United States

Non-Fiction - Memoir
156 Pages
Reviewed on 11/02/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Behind Bulletproof Glass: My Story About Prenatal Testing and Abortion in the United States by Linda Rönn follows Rönn on the journey of her second pregnancy after marrying John, a Navy officer. After learning about a potential chromosomal abnormality in their fetus from a non-invasive prenatal test, Linda experiences significant distress at a time that is generally regarded as a happy one. The couple opts for amniocentesis to confirm the results, ultimately receiving a diagnosis that indicates severe health issues for the unborn child. Faced with difficult choices, they decide to terminate the pregnancy, a traumatic decision that is also fraught with societal stigma. Following the procedure, Linda contends with her emotional and physical recovery while thinking about the public and political battles surrounding abortion, which is in contrast to her native Sweden.

Linda Rönn delivers a deeply moving account of her personal experience with abortion in the United States in her memoir Behind Bulletproof Glass. Her writing is the perfect blend of intelligence and empathy, allowing readers into her very private space with absolute clarity and grace. I found Rönn's discussion on how abortion is perceived in Sweden compared to the U.S. to be particularly enlightening, providing a critical lens that many of us would otherwise be unaware of. The courage she exhibits in sharing publicly is remarkable, shedding light on what many women quietly face while also advocating for open dialogue about reproductive rights. Through her candid reflections on grief, societal pressures, and the necessity of support, Rönn encourages readers to reconsider their negative perceptions and misconceptions. Overall, this is a powerful read and a heartfelt, first-person account of one of the few remaining taboos in the Western world.

Maria Victoria Beltran

Behind Bulletproof Glass: My Story About Prenatal Testing and Abortion in the United States is a memoir by Linda Rönn. After graduating from high school in her native Sweden, she moved to the United States to work as an au pair. She graduated in San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in International Security & Conflict Resolution. She also earned an MBA in marketing, met John in 2007 and the couple got married in 2011. Blessed with a healthy daughter a few years later, the couple led a reasonably happy life with their daughter Juni, and dog, Leia. Linda got pregnant for the second time in 2017 at 37 years old. They could not have imagined the storm that would soon rock their lives. After a series of tests, they found out that their second baby had a chromosomal abnormality and they had to choose to have an abortion.

Linda Ronn's Behind Bulletproof Glass is a compelling memoir that is a must-read for everyone. Writing about her emotional pain, she talks about abortion and how many women choose to suffer in silence. Linda writes brilliantly and compellingly with admirable honesty. One can almost feel the pain and shame of having an abortion with the stigma it carries in a country like the United States. The real accomplishment of this memoir, however, is that it tells a story that feels distinctly honest and humble. She acknowledges the confusion and contradictions of her situation, weaving a narrative that resonates deeply with readers, particularly those experiencing similar challenges. Behind Bulletproof Glass is a heartbreaking memoir designed to help women who are contemplating or have gone through an abortion. With abortion a polarizing topic in U.S. politics today, this book is a highly relevant read!

Frank Mutuma

Is abortion an issue about morality and religion or the control of women? These are some of the questions you ask yourself as you read Behind Bulletproof Glass by Linda Ronn. Linda is from Sweden, but she lives in the USA with her husband, John. They have a daughter called Juni. Despite initial challenges and Linda's age, the pregnancy goes well and Juni is healthy. Soon Linda realizes that she is pregnant with their second child. Linda goes for her prenatal checkup, and one test shows that the child is likely to have an abnormality. The preceding days were hard for Linda due to the uncertainties of what the confirmatory tests would say. Linda also has to deal with the issue of her ill mother, who is suffering from cancer. How will things unfold for Linda?

Behind Bulletproof Glass by Linda Ronn is wonderfully written and offers a glimpse into the thorny issue of abortion. I loved how it showed the contrast between the practice in the USA and Sweden. It also looks at the various factors that influence the American system, such as politics and culture. I was also surprised to find out that in most states abortion was legal initially. This is an issue I would love to read more about. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about how different it is to experience something rather than contribute from a theoretical point of view. By candidly detailing her experiences, Linda made this book very effective in passing on the intended message. Though an emotional read, this book was highly informative. I would love to read something else by Linda Ronn.