READ THIS FIRST: The Other Extreme Stigma -- 2nd Trimester Abortions

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Just as with having more than one abortion, people who need abortions after the first trimester face the most cruel stigma, even from those who support the human right to have abortions. And yet so many factors beyond the control of pregnant people push them into seeking abortion care later in their pregnancies. These factors include poverty, racism, gender discrimination, poor fetal diagnosis, stigma, and a widespread lack of accurate information and accessible services related to sexual and reproductive health. And just as with all other aspects of our reproductive lives, the truth is complicated and worthy of attention that goes far deeper than surface judgements rooted in shame and myths. Please take the time to learn more. Click here for trusted, truthful and comprehensive information and resources about abortions after the first trimester. Read more.

"I was sixteen and dating an awful guy. My parents hated him. I was terrified to tell them, and kept it from them as long as I could."

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Three Abortions, 15 weeks & 1st Trimester

“I was unsure how I felt at the time. “But I love him!” I tried to convince myself. Then my mom shared her abortion story with me. We drove out of state because my mom wanted me to have access to a better clinic than the local one. We got a hotel, and went out for pizza. It was a strange but necessary bonding experience. I still to this day thank my mom. She saved me.” Read more.

"I felt so much relief. I was able to be a normal person again."

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Two Abortions, U.K., 15 weeks & 1st Trimester

“My partner and I broke up a month or so ago. It was mutual at first but then it got very messy and mean so we stopped talking. Then I found out I am pregnant again. Luckily, I caught it much earlier this time so I can carry it out at home by myself - which will be happening this weekend. I don't regret anything I have done or am doing, but it doesn't make it any easier.” Read more.

"It was a very brave example of me choosing long-term freedom over long-term suffering."

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One abortion, 2nd Trimester, 16 Weeks

“There’s just no way of speaking honestly about this experience without acknowledging — Yes, I believe I ended a life. Yes, I believe that was the most generous and responsible choice that I could make under those circumstances. Yes, I am devastated by what I lost. Yes, I am grateful every day for this life of freedom and agency that I gained.” Read more.

"I didn’t know I was pregnant. I was shocked to my core."

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One abortion, 2nd Trimester, 19 weeks

“I’m unmarried — which in the religion I practise in is a major thing. I am a 22-year-old Muslim girl and the worst thing I could dream of, happened to me. Yes I was conscious in the choices I made with my partner but I didn’t think this would happen. I called up the healthcare option available in my country and was able to secure a D&E appointment within a week. I travelled to another city to have the procedure. I was alone and no one with me to hold my hand.” Read more.

"I went back and forth with my decision for weeks."

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One abortion, 2nd Trimester, 17 Weeks

“The doctor and the nurse inside the room were so patient with me and so nice. They lit essential oils and rubbed my head and my arms to relax me and really tried to comfort me the best they could. Honestly, if it weren’t for that, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go through with it. Once they got me to calm down enough, they administered the sedation medicine and that’s the last thing i remember.” Read more.

"I ended my pregnancy because I wanted to protect the wellbeing of my baby from this man."

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One abortion, 2nd Trimester, 14 Weeks

“The first thing he said to me after we found out was, “I’ll need to know everyone you’re seeing from now on.” It became very clear, very quickly that this wasn’t about having a baby for him. It was about having control over my life. He then admitted to a number of things he felt I should know. The less complex included the other women he had been seeing during our relationship and had relentlessly lied about. He cheats on everyone, so this wasn’t a shock. But then he told me about his past arrest for sexual assault.” Read more.

"The tech said, 'You're further along than we thought.' I was in shock."

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One abortion, 2nd Trimester, 14 Weeks

“Three weeks went by and I decided to buy a pregnancy test on Amazon. I woke up early on a Sunday morning to take it. I was shaking as I opened the package. I peed on the stick and WHAM. It took about one second to read POSITIVE. I realized then that I was SUPER pregnant. I knew instantly the path I wanted to take and I started researching abortions online.” Read more.

"I regret letting people manipulate me."

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One abortion, 2nd Trimester, 22 Weeks

“Days went by and I was so depressed. I turned to my best friend not knowing she was against it. She told her older sister who sent me fake horrifying pics of aborted babies. I turned to my mom. She said she was gonna stop talking to me if I ever think about abortion. I turned to one of my coworkers hoping I would get a different response from her, she gave me a speech. Soon after the guy’s family started calling me congratulating me since he had told them. I cried and cried my family found out. Everyone wanted this. Except for me.” Read more.

"I did this out of pure love. I couldn't provide a good life."

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One abortion, 2nd Trimester, 22 Weeks

“I did a ton of research and panicked seeing that some women get pregnant on the pill and don’t find out for a while. I was paralyzed with fear. I couldn’t say the words out loud and was scared to tell my boyfriend cause I felt like it was my fault and I was doing this to him. I suffered in silence in a whirlwind of depression and crippling anxiety.” Read more.

"I desperately wanted to be a mother and still do, but I knew that it wasn't the time."

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Two Abortions, 2nd Trimester, 20 Weeks, U.S.

“I now have an associates degree and started my career. My fiancé has also has an associates degree and started his career and makes enough to support us and more if wanted. We are getting married in September of this year and are going to try to start a family next year. All in all, I wanted to tell my story as it's been weighing on me, but I don't regret the decisions I made.” Read more.

"I aborted twice. The first I realized when I was 20 years old and 4 months pregnant." ~ "Aborté dos veces. La primera me di cuenta cuando tenía 20 años y 4 meses de embarazo".

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Two Abortions, Mexico, Later Abortions, 2nd Trimester, 16 Weeks

“I did not know because every month everything was normal. My boyfriend insisted that I take a test because he felt that something was wrong. After a long time of insisting, I gave in and did the test and surprise: I was pregnant. I did not hesitate to go and buy pills that same day.” Read more.

“No lo sabía porque todos los meses todo era normal. Mi novio insistió en que hiciera una prueba porque sentía que algo andaba mal. Después de mucho tiempo de insistir, cedí e hice la prueba y sorpresa: estaba embarazada. No dudé en ir a comprar pastillas ese mismo día ”. Lee mas.

"A part of me wanted this pregnancy even though I knew abortion was the right choice."

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Two Abortions, Later Abortions, 13 Weeks, 2nd Trimester, Mexico

“I was farther along than they had thought (13 weeks) so I had to have extra sedation to be relaxed enough for the procedure. The drugs made me fall asleep and I don't remember much. My boyfriend was able to stay in the operating room with me so he held my hand and woke me up when it was over. I was relieved not to be pregnant but also felt regret.” Read more.

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