Killers of Roe: New Book Details the Decades-Long Fight to End Abortion Rights

“Killers of Roe”: Amy Littlefield Investigates the “Mysterious Death of Abortion Rights” in U.S.

Investigative reporter Amy Littlefield’s fresh book, Killers of Roe: My Investigation into the Mysterious Death of Abortion Rights, published March 10, 2026, delves into the decades-long campaign to dismantle abortion access in the United States. Littlefield, the abortion access correspondent for The Nation, approaches the story not as a political analysis, but as a “whodunit,” seeking to identify the key figures and motivations behind the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The book examines the hidden machinery of power and politics surrounding abortion rights, and the consequences of their loss.

Littlefield began her investigation after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, believing the decision would inevitably lead to deaths. She set out to understand the motives, means, and opportunities that fueled the anti-abortion movement’s victory. Her work chronicles a journey into unexplored corners of a highly successful social movement, revealing surprising characters and plot twists along the way.

The Expanding and Contracting Landscape of Abortion Access

Despite the restrictions imposed by state bans, the number of abortions in the U.S. Has actually increased in the years since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This is largely due to the availability of medication abortion pills, which can be shipped from states with more permissive laws to individuals in states where abortion is banned. Eight states currently allow providers to mail these pills across state lines, often at low or no cost. However, this access is coupled with increased legal risk and fear for those seeking abortion care in restrictive states.

Unearthing the “Killers of Roe”

Littlefield’s investigation focuses on identifying the individuals who played pivotal roles in the decades-long effort to restrict and ultimately overturn Roe v. Wade. She highlights figures often overlooked in mainstream narratives, including those with complex and even contradictory backgrounds. The book explores the motivations of these individuals, ranging from deeply held religious beliefs to political opportunism.

One key figure Littlefield examines is Bob Packwood, a former Republican Senator from Oregon who was once lauded as a champion of women’s rights. Despite his public support for abortion access, Packwood was later accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women, with disturbing details revealed in his personal diaries. Littlefield interviewed Packwood and his wife, grappling with the question of whether he could be considered a “excellent guy” or a “bad guy,” illustrating the complexities of the individuals involved.

Another figure explored is Bob Bauman, a former Maryland Congressman who initially championed the Hyde Amendment – a policy that banned federal funding for abortion. Bauman’s career ended in scandal after an FBI investigation revealed his involvement in paying for sexual acts, highlighting a pattern of hypocrisy within the anti-abortion movement. He later spent his time writing about offshore tax avoidance.

The Human Cost: Becky Bell and Beyond

Killers of Roe doesn’t shy away from the tragic consequences of restricted abortion access. Littlefield recounts the story of Becky Bell, a 17-year-old who died in 1988 after seeking an unsafe, illegal abortion due to Indiana’s parental consent laws. Her parents became vocal advocates against such laws, but their story underscores the dangers of restricting access to safe and legal abortion care.

Littlefield connects Bell’s death to more recent cases, including the deaths of Tierra Walker, Candi Miller, and Porsha Ngumezi – women who died due to complications related to pregnancy or restricted abortion access in states with restrictive laws. These deaths, Littlefield argues, are preventable and a direct result of policies designed to limit abortion access.

The Hyde Amendment and its Legacy

The Hyde Amendment, first introduced in 1976, prohibited the use of federal funds for abortion services, disproportionately impacting low-income women and women of color. Littlefield’s research reveals that the amendment was initially proposed by Paul Haring, a former IRS attorney, who believed it would help him achieve salvation. The amendment has been renewed annually by Congress ever since, becoming a cornerstone of the anti-abortion movement’s strategy.

Faye Wattleton, the first Black president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, recognized the disproportionate impact of the Hyde Amendment and made its repeal a central goal of her tenure. However, she faced resistance even within the pro-choice movement, highlighting the complexities of navigating this issue.

Surprising Motivations and Connections

Littlefield’s research uncovered two surprising motivations driving the anti-abortion movement. The first was a strong religious conviction among many activists, who believed that opposing abortion would secure their place in heaven. The second was a connection to the civil rights movement, with some activists framing the anti-abortion cause as a way for white people to reclaim a sense of moral authority and avoid confronting issues of racial inequality.

As Littlefield writes, the anti-abortion movement often utilized the language of social justice whereas simultaneously opposing policies that would benefit marginalized communities. This allowed them to build a broad coalition and advance their agenda.

What Happens Next?

The legal battles surrounding abortion access are ongoing, particularly concerning medication abortion. A federal judge is currently considering a Louisiana request to halt the mailing of abortion pills, a decision that could significantly disrupt access to care for individuals in restrictive states. The future of abortion access in the U.S. Remains uncertain, but Littlefield’s book provides a crucial understanding of the forces that have shaped this landscape and the human cost of restricting reproductive rights. You can find more information about the book at Secret Garden Books.

For resources on abortion access, including Plan C, INeedAnA, and Abortion Finder, visit rePROs Fight Back. Further information on Amy Littlefield’s work can be found at Amy Littlefield’s website.