Advancing Reproductive Choice: Leading with Conviction and Compassion, a Memoir

In a "brilliant and exhilarating" memoir, Liz Maguire chronicles her 45-year career dedicated to advancing reproductive choice in developing countries and shares the keys to an exciting and rewarding life.

Maguire highlights the critical work of the organizations where she held leadership positions and her rich and varied experiences in North and sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the 1990s, she served as the first woman director of the global family planning and reproductive health program of the U.S. Agency for International Development, followed by 16 years as CEO of the international non-profit, Ipas.

Maguire discusses the major challenges that remain in achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, now exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She calls for accelerating the global fight for reproductive and social justice.

The author also recounts her adventures studying and travelling in Europe in her youth, living in France part-time over the last 35 years, and exploring other intriguing places around the world. She concludes with reflections on core values, leadership, and mentorship. Throughout her memoir, Maguire conveys what is possible in life and leadership with passion, perseverance, compassion, optimism, and continuous learning.

Reviewers call Maguire's memoir "a moving story of unwavering personal commitment," "an inspiration for the new generation of leaders to advance reproductive choice for all," and "a valuable guide for anyone interested in public health, values-centered leadership, or maximizing life's opportunities."

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.