Kind Words and Medical Facts About 2+ Abortions Worldwide

Many people around the world have two or more abortions. Despite the fact that one in four pregnant people in the US will have one or more abortions in a lifetime — few people talk openly about their experiences. As a result, anti-abortion zealots fill the silence with lies and fear. This article aims to share the truth and spread some love to stop the stigma.

Medical Safety and Fertility

One of the most common concerns is the impact on future health. However, abortions do not harm fertility. The fact that millions of people around the world need and have multiple abortions during their 30+ years of fertility reveals that abortions do not have a negative impact on people’s ability to get pregnant. The research from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirms this.

Regarding general health, abortions are very safe. Like any medical procedure or treatment, there are some risks, but the vast majority will not experience any problems. Furthermore, having an abortion will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. The World Health Organization has published data showing there is no link between abortions and breast cancer, and no increased risk.

Understanding Contraception and Mental Health

It is important to understand how often contraception fails. All contraceptive methods have failure rates that are higher than typically advertised, because the risk of failure compounds over time. With nearly four decades of fertile years to navigate, people can and do experience unplanned pregnancies throughout their reproductive lifetimes and many of them wisely and responsibly choose abortions when the time and circumstances are not right for pregnancy, birth and parenting.

When considering mental health, there is no evidence that abortions cause depression. Immediately after abortions, people may experience a range of emotions including sadness, relief, or regret, but studies show that the most common feeling is relief. Most women do not regret their decisions. They move on with their lives and are grateful they were able to access care.

The Turnaway Study — a landmark study by the University of California — found that five years after having an abortion, more than 95% of women said it was the right decision for them. The study also shows that people who are denied wanted abortions suffer many problems, including more anxiety, lower self-esteem, and less life satisfaction than women who are able to get abortions.

Who Chooses Abortion?

People from all walks of life, all ages, all incomes, all faiths choose to have abortions, and their reasons vary widely and are deeply personal. Many people are already parents, some are devoutly religious and some have been advised to terminate a much-wanted pregnancy for medical reasons or severe fetal abnormalities. Also, nonbinary people and trans men need the same access to abortion care as cisgender women. All of the myths, stigma and restrictions harm black people and people of color the most.

Key Statistics and Data

The following data highlights the prevalence and safety of abortion care:

• US Statistics: One in four pregnant people in the US will have one or more abortions by the age of 45.
• UK Statistics: One in three pregnant people in the UK will have one or more abortions by the age of 45.
• Decision Satisfaction: More than 95% of women said it was the right decision for them five years later.
• Fertility Impact: Research confirms abortions do not have a negative impact on people’s ability to get pregnant.

Kind Words and Shared Experiences

Your words of support and encouragement mean more than you will ever know. This website is a beautiful way to connect women who feel very lonely and vulnerable. Here are some messages from those who have found comfort:

• "Thank you so much for existing, and for removing the stigma about something NORMAL." — From a kind supporter.
• "I found this website while looking for an organization that collected the experiences of other women who had gone through the same events like me. If it weren't for you, I would have felt lost and alone." — From a visitor in Germany.
• "This website helped me navigate my feelings of shame and guilt and helped me to put my feelings into words." — From a visitor in Michigan.
• "I felt so guilty at first for having to have a second abortion, but I see how common it is and I think the stigma should end." — From a visitor in Canada.
• "I feel seen and heard. I feel supported and understood." — From a visitor in Massachusetts.

It’s such a personal choice for mostly the woman but for the man as well. Reading these stories has been an immense help and support to many throughout their journeys.