Abortion worker Steph Herold expresses her frustration over how few of the women she who came to her clinic are active in the pro-choice movement:
“We need our patients, who we do everything for, to stand up for us. We don’t need them to tell their abortion stories to everyone they know, although of course, that would be great. We need them to fight for abortion access in whatever way makes sense to them. If one in three US women has an abortion by age 45, where are these women? Why don’t they stand up for us?”
Sarah Erdreich, Generation Roe: Inside the Future of the Pro-Choice Movement (New York: Seven Stories Press, 2013) 175
Could it be because women don’t find their abortions empowering and don’t want to advocate for abortion after they’ve been wounded by one?
Editor’s note. This appeared at Clinic Quotes and is reposted with permission.
In a thought-provoking revelation, an abortion clinic worker has opened up about a trend that has sparked both introspection and debate within the reproductive healthcare community: the observation that more post-abortive women do not vocally support abortion. This candid insight sheds light on the nuanced and often complex emotions that individuals may experience in the aftermath of an abortion, challenging prevailing narratives and prompting reflection on the diverse array of perspectives within the abortion discourse.
The assertion that more post-abortive women do not actively advocate for abortion rights may come as a surprise to some, particularly in a socio-political climate where vocal advocacy for reproductive rights is often equated with personal experiences with abortion. However, the reality is far more nuanced, with individuals navigating a myriad of emotions, beliefs, and experiences in the aftermath of an abortion.
For some post-abortive women, the decision to terminate a pregnancy may be fraught with conflicting emotions, ranging from relief and empowerment to grief and regret. These complex feelings may shape their attitudes towards abortion and influence their willingness to publicly support or advocate for abortion rights. While some individuals may feel a sense of solidarity with the pro-choice movement and actively engage in advocacy efforts, others may prefer to keep their abortion experience private or may even hold ambivalent or conflicting views on the issue.
Moreover, the societal stigma and shame surrounding abortion can further complicate individuals’ experiences and perceptions of their abortion decision. Despite advances in destigmatizing abortion and promoting a culture of openness and acceptance, many individuals still grapple with feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation in the aftermath of an abortion. These internalized feelings may inhibit individuals from speaking openly about their abortion experiences or engaging in advocacy efforts, even if they personally support abortion rights.
In addition to the internal dynamics shaping post-abortive individuals’ perspectives on abortion, external factors such as cultural, religious, and social influences also play a significant role. For individuals whose communities or support networks hold conservative or anti-abortion views, speaking out in support of abortion rights may carry significant social and emotional risks, including rejection, ostracism, or judgment. In such contexts, individuals may opt to remain silent or may even internalize anti-abortion rhetoric, further complicating efforts to mobilize support for abortion rights.
However, it is essential to recognize that the absence of vocal support for abortion among post-abortive women does not necessarily indicate a lack of support for reproductive rights or access to abortion services. Many individuals who have undergone abortions may still firmly believe in the importance of preserving abortion rights and ensuring access to safe and legal abortion care for all individuals. Their decision to remain silent or private about their abortion experiences may stem from a desire to protect their privacy, respect the diversity of abortion experiences, or simply navigate their emotions in their own time and space.
In conclusion, the revelation that more post-abortive women do not actively support abortion underscores the complexity and diversity of abortion experiences and perspectives. It serves as a reminder that individuals’ attitudes towards abortion are shaped by a multitude of factors, including personal beliefs, emotions, and social influences. As discussions surrounding abortion rights continue, it is essential to center the voices and experiences of all individuals, respecting their autonomy, agency, and right to navigate their abortion experiences in a manner that feels authentic and true to themselves.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
