Women are sharing their experiences of abortion on social media using #ShoutYourAbortion to speak out against the stigma and misinformation that still surrounds the procedure.
Abortion activists Amelia Bonow, Lindy West and Kimberly Morrison in the US started the hashtag on Friday, in response to Republican threats to defund the women’s health organisation Planned Parenthood – a taxpayer-funded service providing reproductive health care and education.
The House of Representatives passed two abortion-related bills, in a move to quell conservative hardliners who threatened to defund the service. President Barack Obama, a strong supporter of the program, said he would veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
West, Bonow and Morrison asked women to share their positive stories of abortion on Twitter. Women around the world were quick to respond causing the hashtag to trend in Australia, UK, US, as well as in Ireland where abortions are still illegal.
Almost 70,000 people have tweeted #ShoutYourAbortion since Friday, and a Facebook page asking women to show their support has received almost 4,000 likes since it was set up.
My abortion was in '10 & the career I've built since then fulfills me & makes me better able to care for kids I have now. #ShoutYourAbortion
— Lindy West (@thelindywest) September 20, 2015
I had an abortion in May because I am 21 and want to enjoy my youth. I will be an AMAZING mom one day, too! #ShoutYourAbortion
— Bianca (@bibulicious) September 22, 2015
My abortion was in 2008. It saved my life and allowed me to escape an abusive, emotionally and physically violent man. #ShoutYourAbortion
— hi, is this meagan? (@mgnwrites) September 21, 2015
I had an abortion at 17. Not a hard decision to make, very hard one to cope with alone. Coulda been easier sans stigma #ShoutYourAbortion
— kelly wolfe (@wolfeymcfangs) September 22, 2015
I had an abortion 9 years ago. I had a child 5 years ago, when I was ready. I am a better mother for it. #ShoutYourAbortion
— Sarah Fox (@overedwaitress) September 22, 2015
18 & broke + pregnant = bad. Abortion + 3yrs later + married + stable job = a great life for my baby. #ShoutYourAbortion
— Sophia (@SophiaSkySays) September 21, 2015
#ShoutYourAbortion I was eleven and raped. Go ahead and tell me I'm in the wrong - but not the 36 yr old man who did it. Go on, I dare you.
— the bitchslap effect (@fairyinlingerie) September 22, 2015
I've never wanted to have children, so I had an abortion. I'm thriving, without guilt, without shame, without apologies. #ShoutYourAbortion
— favianna rodriguez (@favianna) September 21, 2015
I've had 2 abortions. I don't have to justify or explain them to anybody. My life is more valuable than a potential life. #shoutyourabortion
— Clementine Ford (@clementine_ford) September 21, 2015
We’d like to hear your experiences of abortion whether positive or negative. Fill in the form below and we’ll use a selection in our reporting.
