Viral #Youknowme Hashtag Highlights The Reality Of Abortion And It's Not What You Think

They don't have to share their stories, but you need to hear them.

Elana

• Published in Interesting
• May 21, 2019

Abortion has been a "hot topic" for decades, literally, but things quieted down quite a bit after the historic Roe Vs Wade ruling that ensured privacy including our right to choose as a constitutional right. Over the last 4 years, however, a lot has changed in the American political climate and with powerful conservative leadership, conservative-minded states have apparently decided it's the right time to take a stab at over-turning the iconic ruling that guaranteed access to safe and legal abortions. Passing "heartbeat laws" and all-out abortion bans in multiple states has given birth to a tumultuous climate of debate and persistent de-humanizing of people with a uterus, most who are doing the vicious de-humanizing surely unaware of just what abortion means or looks like outside their convoluted bubble.

In an effort to tackle the subject from a raw and realistic perspective, American actress Busy Phillips issued a plea, or challenge of sorts, to Twitter that people who have had abortions come forth and share their stories to help de-stigmatize abortion. The results have been astounding to say the least.

In a TV interview recently, Busy said:

The statistic is one in four women will have an abortion before age 45. That statistic sometimes surprises people, and maybe you’re sitting there thinking, ‘I don’t know a woman who would have an abortion.’ Well, you know me. I had an abortion when I was 15 years old, and I’m telling you this because I’m genuinely really scared for women and girls all over this country. And I think that we all need to be talking more and sharing our stories more.

Legally, what a person with a uterus does is the business of their own and their appropriate healthcare providers. These people did not have to share their abortion stories but felt compelled to give a face and a story to the 1 in 4.

1. Aimee

Wasn't ready then, kicking ass now.

2. Why does it matter? Because nothing is 100%.

"Reliable" birth control has a success rate that can range from the low 90% to the high 90%. Getting pregnant on multiple forms of birth control is also within the realm of possible.

3. "I just didn't want children."

Is this heartbreaking or is this reality?

4. Preservation and Persevering.

Perhaps a good alternative to abortion bans would be: comprehensive sex education?? What a wild idea, right?

5. Neither proud, nor ashamed.

Access to safe abortion can ensure a brighter future.

6. "It's time I didn't feel so ashamed."

There are legal and ethical concerns regarding "stealing," also known as non-consensual condom removal, and in some countries is it a crime akin to rape.

7. Tumor Treatment

If you think that pregnancy and cancer contains an easy answer or that the government and law has a woman's best interest in mind, consider reading The Angela Carder Story.

8. "My only regret..."

Stand strong.

9. When you're ready, you're ready.

When you're not ready, that should be your decision to make.

10. Dear Government:

Mind your business, not our bodies.

11. He was wanted.

There is no shortage of medical professionals willing to tackle the myths of late-term abortion and medically indicated abortion.

12. A loving decision was made.

A painful decision, but a loving decision nonetheless.

13. Tubal Litigation Refusual is a serious issue.

Elective sterilization is another, related choice topic that people with uteri are constantly having to battle over as well. The bulk majority of qualified medical professionals will not perform a tubal litigation on women who: are "too young" (and the age varies by doctor from 25 to 30,) don't have "enough" children, don't have enough "variety" of children, or "might change their mind" or marry someone else and want their biological children.

It should never be complex to make a permanent decision about our reproductive health, personal opinion and bias has no place in what we want to do with our bodies.

14. Are we taking steps backwards?

Banning abortion doesn't end abortion. It ends safe abortion.

15. What will the future hold?

Will we de-stigmatize abortion or criminalize it?

16. "Everything was horrible."

What would the alternative have looked like? We cannot imagine.

17. "We all have our reasons but it's never taken lightly."

Whether they experience guilt or relief, it's their decision to make and it's never an easy decision, even when they know it's the right decision for them. Who is the government to interfere?

Elana