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.
We went through some shit
At this point in our lives, we’re one and done. Who knows what the future holds, but it was a wild, wild experience, and I can’t say I want to do it again right now. Being pregnant in rural Idaho is terrifying.
17 year-old me had no idea what was coming
I know what it feels like to be scared. To not know what to do. To need options. Today I’m a pilot. And I volunteer flying women to get the healthcare they need.
I was the man those women talked about.
It was the first time I actually heard what it was like for the impregnated person. I don’t honestly remember the details of the individual stories because I was so overwhelmed recognizing myself as the man they were talking about.
My views have changed.
My views have changed. Wanting bodily autonomy for women and women seeing their value is what I long for.
Only just in time
My third birth was affected by the lack of labor and delivery in Sandpoint.
My story: two pregnancy emergencies
All of that happened, and in the state of Idaho today, a pregnant person would be in a world of trouble trying to get access to timely care.
C.A.’s Story
Being 15 and without parental consent in Idaho, many couldn’t help out. But one out-of-state organization did stand alongside me and raised over half the amount needed, while I saved my lunch money for the rest.
Four Generations
Etta was a business woman and for her children were not part of her plan. Etta was also the eldest of 10 children and told me she never saw her mother smile.
Multiple trips to CDA
Everything went well, but it entailed me making three visits to Coeur d’Alene, when I could have had all of this done locally. I had the means and support to go to CDA for this care, but other people may have that.
Ashamed Beyond Relief
SO much shame and disappointment that I carried with me. I wasn't the same woman. I was depressed, I didn't want to live, I felt ashamed, I felt reckless. I told my family what had happened to me and they were all supportive.
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.
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.
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.
I wish I would have understood more, sooner.
It was such an eerie feeling to now be in those shoes as a pregnant woman.
I need you to get to Salt Lake as soon as possible
The doctor comes in and just has this... blank stare on his face, “We need to have a pretty difficult conversation.”
No option that led to a healthy baby
This feels like a really scary time to be pregnant in Idaho.
Overturned, Episode 2
“I NEED you to get to Salt Lake as soon as possible”
When this family faced a heartbreaking pregnancy complication, they expected compassionate care close to home. Instead, Idaho’s restrictive abortion laws forced them to travel out of state for medically necessary abortion care, turning an already devastating experience into an unimaginable trauma.
A little medical issue
I just said “oh I had a little medical issue" and had to go to Washington.”
Committing a crime
They diagnosed my Buddy with acrania: the brain essentially disintegrates in the amniotic fluid.
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.
Physician Stories
