Olivia Hooper
Pro-choice allies are fighting the damaging and untrue rhetoric that abortion is something to be ashamed of. Sharing your abortion story with safe2choose can help others feel less alone in their decisions and dismantle the negative stigma behind abortion.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where patriarchal systems teach that abortion is something to be ashamed of; we find ourselves surrounded by far-right politicians who condone abortion and try to make it increasingly difficult to access safe abortion methods. However, the more we challenge this and the more abortion stories we bring to light, the quieter the patriarchal voices become.
safe2choose is a safe space to discuss abortion, and sharing your story does not need to take a long time, but the impact can be monumental. By sharing your abortion story you could help someone who needs information, and it can reassure others of the free and confidential counseling service safe2choose provides.
Nobody wants to feel alone when making a life-changing decision, so take a few minutes to share your experience. Your opinion shows others that abortions are a normal part of life and, above all, a basic health right.
How to share your story
To share your story, head to the safe2choose website, where you can fill in this form in just a few steps. Start by selecting your country. Then, fill in some basic information, such as your name, which is optional, and age, and then write your story.
It is also important to note that safe2choose is a safe space where you can share your story – and it’s a confidential service. We do not publish those that contradict the safe2choose medical abortion protocols, which are based on the international medical organization and the safe2choose medical team.
On the safe2choose website, you can see how others have shared their stories and how safe2choose has shared them, for example, Laura from Colombia’s story. When sharing your story, it is up to you what to include. safe2choose never passes judgment.
If you prefer not to share your story but would like to share your experience using safe2choose’s services, it can also be a great source of comfort for those seeking help.
The importance of sharing
Some of those who have already shared their abortion stories have discussed why abortion was the right decision for them. Others have talked about issues they have encountered when trying to get an abortion, such as legislation, or the cost of abortion pills. Sometimes, a person seeking an abortion feels like they cannot share what they are going through with the people close to them for various reasons. It could be fear of judgment or of being cut off. All these feelings and reasons are valid and if they are not discussed, it makes seeking abortions a lonely process. Although safe2choose offers free counseling, sometimes hearing the real testimonies of others is an important part of the journey to decide whether an abortion is right for you. It can also help guide you through emotions or difficult situations regarding family or relationships.
These stories are often very relatable, for example, if your story includes elements of societal pressure or religion, it makes the person reading the story feel heard, seen, and represented. Whenever we make life choices, it is normal to want to gather opinions and thoughts and go through the pros and cons. However, when this is a life choice that society generally deems “taboo,” it can become very difficult to openly discuss without feeling shame and fear. safe2choose’s abortion story section is a collaborative way of facilitating a space where people can share while respecting the privacy of those who submit their stories.
Lindy West spoke out about abortions to the Guardian: “The truth is that life is unfathomably complex; people with uteruses own their bodies unconditionally, and every abortion story is as unique as the person who lives it. Some are traumatic, some are even regretted, but plenty are like mine.”
There is no ‘right’ story
Although there may be some abortion stories or experiences where parallels can be drawn, these experiences are never carbon copies of each other because abortion is something that is truly personal to that individual, based on their upbringing, financial situation, and medical conditions, as well as where they live and who is close to them, just to name a few. All these factors, and more, make the experience completely unique depending on the person. This only serves as another reason to amplify the voices of those with lived experiences.
The results are clear; we can see how empowered people feel when sharing and listening to others.
Pro-choice associations are highlighting the sense of power they now have when they share their experiences: “I’m proud that we let women know that they can have an abortion and be OK and that they will not be alone in making that decision,” said Chompoo, who is the coordinator of safe abortion group Tamtang.
Allowing safe2choose to publish your story is a way to support from afar and let someone know they are not alone. Sharing your story can also be a rewarding experience and part of your healing journey because when you share your experience, you know someone going through what you once have is getting a form of support from you. Putting your words and thoughts down can often be a very healing experience for you as well – to get everything off your chest – which you may not have had the opportunity to do in a safe environment.
What happens after you share?
There is no set timeline from the moment you submit to when your story will be published as it depends on the story. After your story is submitted, it will be published in a subsection of the stories page, depending on the region you are from. Abortion stories can be shared by safe2choose as a written experience or converted into a video (this is usually for more in-depth stories), which may take longer to be published as they require more narration.
Most importantly, your words are out there ready to read for anyone trying to find out more about abortions and get support.
safe2choose has received many stories, all rooted in different circumstances, leading us to provide tailored support that can be a lifeline to others. An example of this is Paula from Mexico’s story. Paula was sexually abused and fell pregnant. She felt ashamed because she had had a deeply religious upbringing and her family had drilled into her that abortion was bad; therefore, she did not have anyone to talk to. However, because Paula decided to share her story, others can now get support from her words and safe2choose’s published response to her situation.
Need some time?
If you feel you cannot share your story now, there is no deadline for submissions. The form is an open invitation, so if and when you are ready, it is available for you to use.
Even though we are so grateful to receive stories, we understand if sharing your story is not something you wish to do. Regardless of your decision, we hope you find safe2choose a space that you can come back to for support and guidance whenever you need it.
For more information about abortion methods and what protocols safe2choose recognizes and supports, we discuss the different stages of abortion – before, during, and after – using medical abortion pills and other forms, such as aspirations. Reading through this information could help you understand the kind of advice we give surrounding medical abortions.
This blog post explores the benefits of sharing your abortion, and this page looks at country-specific issues regarding abortion legislation through Lizette’s experience in South Africa.
If you have any more questions about sharing your story, contact safe2choose. In addition, if sharing your story has brought up any feelings you would like to discuss with one of our counselors, you can request free counseling.
For more information, visit safe2choose.org or send an email to info@safe2choose.org.