Mission

#ShoutYourAbortion is working to broaden existing discourse on abortion by creating platforms where discussing abortion is as normal as the procedure itself. By creating a digital space for abortion narratives to exist and facilitating events that encourage authentic dialogue and community, #ShoutYourAbortion is transforming the conversation by placing real experiences and voices at the center of the conversation.

Since #ShoutYourAbortion was launched in September 2015, the hashtag has been used over 250,000 times and has empowered countless individuals to discuss their abortion experiences without shame—sometimes for the first time in their lives. But #ShoutYourAbortion is not just a channel for people to talk about their own experiences–we’d like to help everyone get more comfortable discussing abortion. Abortion rights are under attack, and many individuals don’t feel like the issue effects them at all, or feel like the issue is too volitile to discuss. Culture can shift to reflect the pro-choice values of the majority, but not unless we feel comfortable talking about abortion on their own terms.

The anti-choice movement succeeds in denying women their reproductive autonomy by encouraging shame and silence instead of discourse. In a country where one in three women choose abortion, the anti-choice movement can only remain a formidable cultural and legislative force if those who choose abortion remain silent. #ShoutYourAbortion is countering the expectation of shame by providing opportunities for individuals to discuss abortion on their own terms.

For far too long, abortion opponents have drowned out the voices, experiences and opinions of the majority by shouting the loudest and most aggressively. #ShoutYourAbortion is matching the volume of the opposition but simply shouting about reality. The pro-choice movement will never get off of the defensive without our voices.