FINALLY, a book that addresses some of the more challenging issues of the pro-life movement. Marisol Maldonado Rodriguez addresses some of the biggest misconceptions that the pro-life movement seems to perpetuate: 1) After a woman chooses life, she’s going to be okay. 2) A pregnancy resource center is an all-encompassing solution. 3) A woman and her baby can survive on government assistance. 4) Only unmarried and non-Christian women are abortion vulnerable.

She offers great insights into how pro-life individuals can actually live up to what they promise and how complex the issue is besides a simple "yes" to life. Marisol shows that the simple "yes" to keep a child goes so much deeper than abortion, and how we should be taking steps to end the cycle of poverty, abuse, and setbacks that cause a pregnancy to not only be terrifying but can perpetuate negative cycles for generations.

No, this book doesn't answer every question or address every issue, but it is the first time I have seen someone take a deeper look into the real issue behind abortion which is the complex social, psychological, physical, and socioeconomic status of the mother.

This is an excellent commentary on how to support individuals who are at risk of abortion as well as long term support. I appreciate the open conversation in this book. It highlights the struggles of poverty on parenthood and brings further awareness to the struggles of single mothers.

"Beyond Her Yes" is a very much needed challenge to the pro-life movement to do better.

By acknowledging that saying "yes" to life is only the first step, Mariola Maldonado Rodriguez uses her personal and professional experience in deconstructing the many challenges that stand in the way of life being the easy choice for many couples and mothers.

The obstacles seem large and the job is difficult, but only by offering real resources to scared parents can minds be changed.

I can't say I "enjoyed" reading this but I'm grateful that I now have a much wider understanding of the structural issues strangling the flourishing of families.