About the Author

Elizabeth (Liz) Maguire worked for 45 years in the international sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) field, holding senior leadership positions in the U.S. government and the non-profit sector. Her multiple awards include USAID's Distinguished Career Service Award, the Population Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Carl S. Shultz Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Public Health Association. In retirement, she serves as a senior SRHR advisor, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Maguire received an M.A. in Sociology and Demography from Georgetown University. A multilingual U.S. and Irish citizen, she has lived in England, France, and Italy, and has travelled to 85 countries. Maguire currently divides her time between Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Nice, France.

Reviews

"Liz Maguire looks back at a brilliant career and noble mission to show the way forward. Her passionate memoir will be an inspiration for the new generation of leaders to advance reproductive choice for all. They can make a difference following her role model of leadership with conviction and compassion."-Mahmoud F. Fathalla, MD, PhD, former President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
"Liz Maguire is one of the most passionate, determined, and humble people I have ever met, and I am lucky to call her my mentor. Her memoir provides a rich and unique perspective into the journey of an unwavering and compassionate leader in the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) field. In her book, Liz grapples with completing the unfinished agenda to realize SRHR for all. As I look ahead, I see a bright future where young and seasoned leaders work together to shift inequitable power structures that hold young women back from leading. In this future I envision, all leaders can learn from one another and ultimately grow together as they fight for SRHR, just as Liz and I have done."-Ana Aguilera, MPH, Deputy Director of Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health, EngenderHealth
"How absolutely brilliant and truly exhilarating. I love Advancing Reproductive Choice: Leading with Conviction and Compassion! This memoir is a true and ardent record of the quest for the reproductive health and rights of women everywhere but especially and urgently for the deprived women in poor countries. It is a chronicle of a life well lived in the service of country, of women, and of the world, with helpful insights on core values and leadership. BRAVO."-Ambassador Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah, MB.ChB, FWACP.FRCOG, former Ipas Vice President for Africa
"At its core, Advancing Reproductive Choice is a moving story of unwavering personal commitment, continuous innovation, and engagement of a broad spectrum of leaders and activists in the pursuit of advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. Liz Maguire embodies the axiom 'the personal is political' and grounds her vision in the understanding that all women have the right to choose the reproductive options that make the most sense in their lives. This book covers a critical historical period of important gains and ongoing challenges to the idea that self-determination and abortion access are a critical element of women's rights. It is an essential read for all those interested in reproductive rights and justice."-Leila Hessini, MA, MPH, Vice President, Programs, Global Fund for Women
"Liz Maguire's memoir goes beyond being a chronicle of an amazing 45-year career as a global influencer of sexual and reproductive health and rights, to a valuable guide for anyone interested in public health, values-centered leadership, or maximizing life's opportunities. Her considerable knowledge and leadership experience make this book a must-read for young professionals starting their career in development, managers wanting to transform to values-centered leadership, and just about anyone wanting to design a life they love."-Vinoj Manning, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Ipas Development Foundation, India