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 MSI 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 MSI 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

Abortion with pills

Read more stories from MSI clients who have had an abortion with pills (medical abortion).

A medical abortion at 6 weeks

"I wouldn't be renting the flat I rent, I wouldn't have finished my medical degree, I wouldn't be living the life I live if I hadn't had my abortion."

Group of 3 women walking past a MSI UK abortion clinic

A medical abortion at 9 weeks

"I know it was best for me, and has paved the way for me to get my life and my mental health in order."

MSI UK abortion clinic blue door with gold handle

A medical abortion at 6 weeks

"I was so anxious to have this done but it was the best decision for me and I don’t regret it."

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

"MSI UK 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 MSI UK 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.