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Telling your abortion story can be a powerful form of self-expressionor activism.
Malte Mueller via Getty Images
For Chloe M., sharing the story of her abortion on Instagram was about owning her narrative.
After Chloe posted about her abortion, people reached out to share their own stories.
It was clear that some of them hadnt told anybody except me, she says.
Womens voices have historically been silenced, especially women of color and women in other minority groups.
But that doesnt mean sharing is right for everyone.
Or maybe its none of the above.
You dont need a reasonnotto tell your abortion story online.
Maybe it just sounds stressful or unappealing or youjust dont want to.Its all totally valid, says Bonow.
The world is a horrible hellscape, and everyone has to survive however they need to.
Here are some things to think about if youre trying to decide whether to tell your abortion story online.
Dr. Stamouliss biggest recommendation is to clarify your goals in sharing your story online rather than through other means.
Bronbow also suggests trying to avoid posting your story out of feelings of guilt or obligation.
And this behavior can pretty easilyveer into trolling.
Rohlinger has spent a lot of time researching people who actively target people online because of their beliefs.
Much of her work involves digging through the trenches of online abortion politics, and its often not pretty.
Im not equipped to be anyones counselor, she says.
You might be met with support and encouragement, but you also might receive judgment or harassment.
Family members or coworkers might come across your story.
You might tweet something raw and challenging only to have no one respond at all.
If any of that does not sit well with you, reconsider online disclosure, says Dr. Stamoulis.
This is especially true if your abortion was related to rape or other trauma.
Theres always the chance of a negative or unexpected response worsening your pain.
And if youre still unsure?
you could wait to decide.
But we do know there are consequences of staying silent about our psychological struggles in general.
Not processing our lives in real and honest ways can have disastrous effects on ourmental health.
People are dying, and its not changing their minds, she says.
People are in detention and immigration centers needing abortion services and its not changing their minds.
Is posting your story going to change the minds of a lawmaker who supports overturningRoe?
But will it make an impact on the overall cultural perception of abortion and why reproductive healthcare access matters?
Maybe that involves storytelling, maybe not.Theres no singular way to make an impact.
You might decide to volunteer, donate, or write your state legislators instead.
You might decide to bring meals or signs to protestors, or to provide childcare or transportation to activists.
The point is, there are countless ways to get involved.
*Name has been changed to grant anonymity upon request
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