Stories from our clients

Sharing stories is at the heart of ending the stigma that too many women still feel when it comes to abortion.

This aspect of women’s healthcare is not often talked about in every day conversation. Abortion stigma can make some people feel like their decision must be kept secret and silent. At Marie Stopes UK, we believe that sharing stories is at the heart of ending the stigma that too many women still feel when it comes to abortion care. The women below wanted to share their stories with you, so you can know what to expect, know you are not alone, and feel reassured - whatever your decision may be.

You can share your story, too

In the UK, one in three women will have one or more abortion in their lifetime. By sharing our stories women can feel supported in their choice and know they are not alone.

I Have a Story to Share

"The moment we start to share our stories is the moment society’s attitude starts to shift."

Amy

I found out I was pregnant when I was at college – my contraception had failed. And I knew straight away that I wanted to have an abortion. I had big plans and children weren’t part of them.

Even though I was completely confident in my choice to have an abortion, I only told a few people at the time. Looking back, I did feel silenced, simply because it wasn’t something people spoke about.

As I grew older, I started to realise that I wasn’t ashamed of my abortion. Lately I've started to tell more people about it. It’s so important that people are able to talk openly about abortion. I know if I heard my friends, family or teachers talk more openly about abortion I would have  felt less alone in my choice.

The moment we start to share our stories is the moment society’s attitude starts to shift. That’s why I feel as though I have a duty to share mine.

Share Your Story

"I decided to write this detailed account to give something back to Marie Stopes UK for an amazing support I received from them and also for all the other women who might be scared and stressed in this moment."

An abortion story with "pills at home"

"So back to the beginning. I am 41, I have two sons and I absolutely did not plan to have another child."

"I am a believer and termination wouldn’t normally be an option for me. I took the test and it was positive. Only a faint second line but it was pretty obvious. I cannot describe the panic and stress I felt immediately. I cried and told my partner I was not going to carry on, it would be a big struggle for all of us in many ways. I was lucky to have his support.

Immediately I started searching the internet for the options of early abortion. I found Marie Stopes and called them the next morning. It was Sunday."

Lily contacted us in August 2020, and her gestation allowed her to have a medical abortion with pills, directly from home (telemedicine).

Read the detailed account of her experience at this link.

Katriana needed an abortion despite using contraception

Katriana was using the contraceptive pill when she fell pregnant - she desperately searched for other women's stories' but couldn't find any she related to and is now campaigning to #SmashAbortionStigma

"I was in no financial or emotional position to have a child... but most importantly, I didn't want to have a child. Simple as that."

Watch Katriana's Interview on Channel 5 News

"Despite the struggles I am going through, I feel a sense of security and safety when talking to and dealing with Marie Stopes."

"Marie Stopes and their counsellors have given me again the space to think it through and make a decision that suits and fits me."

I'm struggling with the fact that I am going through a second abortion, however Marie Stopes and their counsellors have given me again the space to think it through and make a decision that suits and fits me, without any pressure or manipulation, emotional or otherwise, something that I feel we are made to feel to take for granted in our relationships and self esteem.

All I can hope is that someone may read my story, and realise that they too are not alone.

Read this client's story smashing the stigma around more than one abortion.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing this service, many women all over the world aren't as fortunate to have options."

Lisa's story, a client from Manchester

Lisa's story

"It was big shock but I called MSI UK and since the very first day they were so helpful and showed a lot of care."

A client story during lockdown

"I was absolutely gobsmacked when I saw the two little blue lines on a home pregnancy test, for me and my partner it just wasn’t the right time in our lives."

A client story from York

A client story from England

"I was on the pill and had taken it everyday like clockwork so was gobsmacked to see a positive result."

"My daughter was 7 months old when I found out I was 11 weeks pregnant."

Read one of client's story

"The staff at Marie Stopes UK were all so kind and considerate - they made a rubbish situation feel slightly more bearable."

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