Abortion Stories Library

The healing is in the sharing. Both personally and politically.
Dare to bear witness. Dare to be heard. Add your voice to the chorus.

Overturned, Episode 1

“What state IS willing to help me?”

Three Idaho women share their stories of pregnancy, fatal fetal diagnoses, and medical care denied to them in their home state. In instances like these, abortion bans only perpetuate pain. Watch now

Overturned, Episode 2

"I NEED you to get to Salt Lake as soon as possible."

When Desi and Morgan faced a heartbreaking pregnancy complication, Idaho’s abortion laws forced them to travel out of state, turning an already devastating experience into an unimaginable trauma. Watch now

Caitlyn Embree Caitlyn Embree

What Threatens Me

“I “selfishly” chose myself to protect over the embryo inside my flesh. It seems unkind that I would choose myself over another human being, no matter that the embryo is not viable without the current and future sacrifice of my own existence. “

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Caitlyn Embree Caitlyn Embree

Who Are You to Judge?

“But from your position now, is it your right to place judgement on others for the outcome that happened in their journey? Do you know the details, the obstacles, the triumphs and setbacks?”

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Caitlyn Embree Caitlyn Embree

I Have Been So Lucky

“I have been so lucky because, having been born in the 1950’s, my whole “adult life”, I knew that I had a right to contraception and, should I become pregnant, had a right to a legal and safe abortion if needed. Or wanted.”

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Caitlyn Embree Caitlyn Embree

I Am Worthy

“I knew from the start that whatever happened in my life would be my price to pay. I knew that no man could be counted on to stay and to properly protect a child or me.”

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Caitlyn Embree Caitlyn Embree

A Boy Will Do Anything

“What sixteen year old girl has not punched herself hard in the stomach, doubled over to crush the unknown, flung herself belly down on a rail fence, considered what she could shove up inside herself, when a month later the blood will not come.”

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Caitlyn Embree Caitlyn Embree

Blue

“The back of her skull never formed and her brain had prolapsed against her spine- incompatible with life outside the womb.

Amid the conflict and sorrow, and the kicks in my belly- I took self authority. Agency. Radical responsibility. I was the second opinion no one had accounted for.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Saved from a lifetime of abuse

“To all the people who don't believe in reproductive freedom, I say let them walk the miles in every woman's shoes who have had to make such a difficult decision. Oh yeah, and fuck off, it's not your decision to make and be judge and jury until you have to make that same decision.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Aftermath Story

“I had my abortion some 50 years, right here in Idaho. It was not easy or particularly safe but it was necessary, efficient and successful. So many of the details have been blocked or forgotten or expunged. But it was available, thanks to Roe v. Wade.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

1977 Story

“I vividly remember that without hesitation, I chose to have an abortion. At the desk as I made the appointment for the termination, I was told that my procedure would be free. I was surprised to say the least!”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

1979 Story

“Forty-six years ago I had an abortion. The right to a legal abortion was only about six years old and I was the first person I knew who decided to terminate a pregnancy.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Tumultuous Relationship

“I never regretted that decision. My boyfriend was incredibly insecure, jealous, controlling and abusive.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Himself

It’s my body going through this, and yet my support is only concerned with himself. ”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Selfish

When I hear people say abortion is selfish, it cuts deep.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Dangerous Word

Because abortion has always been a dirty word. And after the fall of Roe v Wade, it was also a dangerous word. My partner was afraid someone would try to hurt me if we told people.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Parents

“You don’t remember me, but you helped me 30 years ago when there was no one else and no other place to go”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

The truth hurts

In a final, desperate attempt, I hurled myself over the back of a chair. I bled.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

Traveller

I am so relieved that I was not forced to be tied to him for the rest of my life for the sake of a baby that neither of us really wanted.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

I put myself first

Despite what others may feel about my decision, it was all mine.”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

ABN’s Story

She died after the procedure and her death certificate says that she died from ‘septicemia following after an abortion.’”

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Pro-Voice Project Pro-Voice Project

What are men scared of?

The job was botched. She bled to death in three, maybe four days. She was thirty-three years old.”

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