Let’s Talk About Abortion: A Compassionate Kid-Friendly Conversation with Doulas Carly Kol & Emulsify

Word Up welcomes author doulas and author/illustrator duos Carly Kol and Emulsify for a reading and discussion of their new compassionate kid-friendly book Let’s Talk About Abortion. The book is a groundbreaking, nonjudgmental, and gender-inclusive resource designed to help parents, caretakers, and providers compassionately discuss abortion with children ages 6 to 12.

“Straightforward language frames an approachable, gender-neutral discussion of abortion … Warm, stylized illustrations visualize people with various abilities, body types, and skin tones, many in domestic and natural spaces. It’s a high-level explanation of the topic that works to fill a significant gap in children’s books about healthcare. Includes a creators’ note, resources, discussion questions, and more. Ages 6–12.” — Publishers Weekly

We require all children under the age of 12 to be accompanied by an adult. 

This event is a $5 suggested donation ticket with 30 max attendees. Please register in advance.

In compliance with Word Up Community Safety guidelines, all attendees for this event must wear a mask inside.

Word Up Community Bookshop is located at 2113 Amsterdam Ave. (& 165th St.) in Washington Heights, NYC. You can take the 1 train to 168th St and the A/C train to 163rd or 168th  St.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Let’s Talk About Abortion is a groundbreaking and essential resource designed to help parents, caretakers, and providers discuss the topic of abortion with children ages 6 to 12. Authored and illustrated by experienced abortion doulas and vetted by early childhood educators, this book is crafted with the intention of fostering intentional, compassionate, and nonjudgmental conversations about abortion care.

In a landscape where no other children’s books discuss this topic, Let’s Talk About Abortion fills a crucial gap. It provides a medically accurate, gender-inclusive, and nonjudgmental resource that acknowledges the diverse and complex nature of abortion care. The book’s text is carefully constructed without gender-specific language or one specific character, recognizing that each abortion experience is unique and personal.

This book serves as a starting point for discussion, offering parents, educators and caretakers a thoughtful and sensitive tool to approach discussions about abortion. By avoiding the portrayal of “good” or “bad” reasons for seeking an abortion, the authors ensure that all experiences are respected and validated.

Let’s Talk About Abortion is more than just a book; it’s a compassionate guide designed to support honest and open dialogue, empowering young readers with knowledge and understanding in a safe and supportive manner.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carly Kol (she/her) is a white, queer, Jewish full-spectrum doula from New York. She has always believed that young people deserve honesty and compassion when it comes to information about their sexual health and bodies. Carly has supported over 3,000 individuals during their procedural abortions and medication abortions. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California with her partner and their pitbull, Mickey.

Emulsify (they/them) is a queer parent and full-spectrum doula. They create art to imagine new worlds. Emulsify lives in Brooklyn with their family and spends a lot of time creating while snuggling their pups. Through their work, they have made incredible friendships, learned from brilliant peers, and found their home.

Word Up Community Safety Guidelines

MASKING POLICY: All attendees ages 2 and older must wear a mask at all times when indoors at the store at Word Up and Recirculation.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Word Up Community Bookshop reserves the right to cancel events for any reason, including but not limited to safety concerns.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Please note Word Up has a zero tolerance policy for harassment or intimidation of any kind during any event, virtual or in-person. Please read our Safe Space Policy for more information. Anyone violating these rules will be expelled from the event at the discretion of the organizers. Please report all harassment to events@wordupbooks.com immediately.

PHOTOS & RECORDING: Events may be recorded, and video and photos may be posted on our website, social media, and elsewhere. If you would prefer not to be visible, please let a Word Up team member know. 

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PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria is a fully wheelchair-accessible space with one ADA-compliant ramp from the street level to the store. Some of our bookcases and tables are on wheels and can be moved to provide additional access. Our visitor bathroom is wheelchair accessible and gender neutral. Our events are mic’d for sound. Free ASL interpretation is available for most programs upon request; please email events@wordupbooks.com to request interpretation as early as possible. The space is not scent or chemical free but we do our best to minimize the use of chemicals and scents throughout the space and use nontoxic materials whenever possible. If you have specific questions about the space or how an event can be made more accessible to you, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@wordupbooks.com.