I was at a dinner party recently where I was the only person who didn’t know everyone else at the table. In fact I only knew the one person I’d gone with. It didn’t matter though because the wine and conversation were flowing freely and a good time was being had by all. We leapt whole-heartedly into debates on politics, religion, the state of the economy, and sex.
One of the women, in full feminist flight, rounded off a passionate, if slightly slurred, monologue on women’s reproductive rights with: “I’ve had an abortion, you know. Yep, back when I was in my 30s.”
It was then my friend leaned into me and whispered, “Fuck. Here she goes. She rolls this one out every opportunity she gets.”
I was momentarily shocked, then fascinated, before being overcome with admiration and a desire to shout, “Wait – me too!” but already the conversation had moved on. I was struck with how easily abortion had dropped in and then out of the conversation amongst this group of friends. Abortion might be a topic that is spoken about in theoretical or political terms but how many times do we hear women saying they’ve actually had one?
It doesn't happen because of the shame and guilt that's supposed to accompany it, yet unless women publicly acknowledge they've had an abortion other women will continue to believe they should be carrying just such feelings. In an age where we've made so many strides forward in other sexual health and relationship areas abortion seems to be the last taboo.
The stats
It doesn't happen because of the shame and guilt that's supposed to accompany it, yet unless women publicly acknowledge they've had an abortion other women will continue to believe they should be carrying just such feelings. In an age where we've made so many strides forward in other sexual health and relationship areas abortion seems to be the last taboo.
According to Women's Health Action, one in four women in New Zealand will have an abortion, so chances are someone you know has. Statistics New Zealand reports 13,155 abortions were performed in New Zealand in 2015, which is slightly down on the year before. Ninety-seven percent of the medical, or "induced" abortions were performed solely under the mental health provision of abortion law. Women aged 20–24 years had the highest abortion rate; most abortions (63 percent) were a woman's first; and 55 percent were performed before the 10th week of the pregnancy. Almost 18 percent of known pregnancies ended in abortion.
Abortion stigma
Given that so many of us are having abortions why is there a code of silence? While we may confide to those deep within our inner circle few of us (unlike the host of the dinner party I was at) will admit to having gone through the procedure to people we don’t know well. It simply doesn't come up in conversation. Abortion is so veiled in secrecy that some women never tell anyone - not even their partners or spouses.
Anuradha Kumara, Leila Hessinia and Ellen M.H. Mitchell discuss the reasons behind abortion stigma. They identify several contributing components including:
A criminal act
It doesn't help that in New Zealand it is still a crime, under the Crimes Act (1961) to have an abortion. Sure you can obtain one without breaking any laws but you need to jump through hoops to do so. A GP has to diagnose or confirm the pregnancy, you must have an ultrasound scan to determine gestation, and then be referred to an abortion provider where two certifying consultants must agree that one of four conditions has been met, These include incest, potential physical or mental harm to the woman, foetal defects, and mental disability. Rape, age, and socioeconomic status are not grounds on their own but may be taken into account. Some doctors won't make referrals which means women have to look around for someone who will.
I feel angry even writing that down. How can it be that in 2016 a woman still has no real control when it comes to her reproductive rights? Even when she has made the decision to have an abortion she has to seek the approval of people in positions of power to get the green light. Women's human rights are being ignored. Thank you, Patriarchy.
The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand (ALRANZ) believes that abortion is a health matter, not a crime, and the grounds for abortion in the crimes act should be repealed. They believe New Zealand abortion laws are expensive, unrealistic and punitive. They believe the laws are complicated, inequitable, outdated and disempowering. As such they want the law changed so women can choose whether to continue with an unplanned pregnancy or to obtain an abortion. Frankly, in case you hadn't guessed, I'm with ALRANZ on this.
Media representation
Television and film representation of sex and birth doesn't tend to be a true reflection of the real thing, so it's hardly going to be very accurate when it comes to abortion. Except how many screen abortions are you actually even aware of? When broaching the subject on screen it's generally regarded as a woman's last option, and she usually changes her mind before she goes through with it (often the person responsible for the sperm that got her pregnant "comes to his senses", and decides he can't bear to live another day without her and the child now growing within her).
Given that so many of us are having abortions why is there a code of silence? While we may confide to those deep within our inner circle few of us (unlike the host of the dinner party I was at) will admit to having gone through the procedure to people we don’t know well. It simply doesn't come up in conversation. Abortion is so veiled in secrecy that some women never tell anyone - not even their partners or spouses.
Anuradha Kumara, Leila Hessinia and Ellen M.H. Mitchell discuss the reasons behind abortion stigma. They identify several contributing components including:
- fear of social exclusion
- overt discrimination e.g. verbal or physical abuse, expulsion from school or employment, public shaming, community ostracism
- becoming part of the category "women who abort" and therefore being labelled promiscuous, sinful, selfish, dirty, irresponsible, heartless or murderous
- the invisibility of abortion
 |
| The Cycle of Silence from Anuradha et al |
It doesn't help that in New Zealand it is still a crime, under the Crimes Act (1961) to have an abortion. Sure you can obtain one without breaking any laws but you need to jump through hoops to do so. A GP has to diagnose or confirm the pregnancy, you must have an ultrasound scan to determine gestation, and then be referred to an abortion provider where two certifying consultants must agree that one of four conditions has been met, These include incest, potential physical or mental harm to the woman, foetal defects, and mental disability. Rape, age, and socioeconomic status are not grounds on their own but may be taken into account. Some doctors won't make referrals which means women have to look around for someone who will.
I feel angry even writing that down. How can it be that in 2016 a woman still has no real control when it comes to her reproductive rights? Even when she has made the decision to have an abortion she has to seek the approval of people in positions of power to get the green light. Women's human rights are being ignored. Thank you, Patriarchy.
The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand (ALRANZ) believes that abortion is a health matter, not a crime, and the grounds for abortion in the crimes act should be repealed. They believe New Zealand abortion laws are expensive, unrealistic and punitive. They believe the laws are complicated, inequitable, outdated and disempowering. As such they want the law changed so women can choose whether to continue with an unplanned pregnancy or to obtain an abortion. Frankly, in case you hadn't guessed, I'm with ALRANZ on this.
 |
| In 1977 panels were discarded in favour of “certifying consultants”under the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act. Bob Brockie cartoon National Business Review 1977 |
Media representation
Television and film representation of sex and birth doesn't tend to be a true reflection of the real thing, so it's hardly going to be very accurate when it comes to abortion. Except how many screen abortions are you actually even aware of? When broaching the subject on screen it's generally regarded as a woman's last option, and she usually changes her mind before she goes through with it (often the person responsible for the sperm that got her pregnant "comes to his senses", and decides he can't bear to live another day without her and the child now growing within her).
You can imagine, then, my delight when earlier this year season 6 of the American television show, Shameless, unashamedly tackled the topic of abortion. Two of the lead characters found themselves pregnant. Debbie, 16 years old, by design; and Fiona, her older and thoroughly responsible, sex-loving sister, unexpectedly. Fiona was never going to continue with her pregnancy and there was no way she wanted her little sister to either.
Cue a series of text messages
and angry conversations
Ultimately Debbie continued with her pregnancy, and Fiona ended hers. Refreshingly, rather than giving into the traditional abortion television tropes there was never any question she wouldn't. There was no angst or torment, the abortion scene itself was understated and afterwards she grabbed lunch with her partner, "burrito sized maxipad" in place. No regrets.
Religious individuals and groups were appalled that abortion had been portrayed in such a way on mainstream television. They flocked to Twitter to express their outrage, using words such as "obscene" and "immoral." You can read more about the Shameless abortion scandal, and other abortion scenes in American television programmes, in this article by The Christian Post. See if you can't help but imagine the writer typing with one hand firmly clasped over a mouth that's open in (faux?) horror.
Pro-life / Anti-choice
Those who call themselves pro-life are incredibly vocal and persistent with their messages. They want women to feel shame and guilt if they have terminated a pregnancy but offer to take women into their fold so long as they admit feeling regret having done so, or are at the very least apologetic. The main players in New Zealand are Voice for Life (VFL), Right to Life, and ProLife New Zealand.
These placard-waving, slogan-chanting fanatics force women to run the gauntlet in their quest to find refuge in the rooms of abortion clinics around the country. This is harassment and intimidation, and studies such as this one show it has little effect in making women change their minds. VFL are responsible for protests such as these at Thames Hospital.
Thankfully counter-protesters are out there providing an emotional and physical barrier of sorts to women heading towards the doors of these clinics. It goes some way to showing them they are not alone.
Shout your abortion
In September 2015 the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion was born (pun almost not intended) primarily by activist Amelia Bonow. She sent out a tweet in response to news that America's Planned Parenthood was going to be defunded following allegations regarding the use and donation of foetal organs and tissue.
She wrote, "Plenty of people still believe that on some level — if you are a good woman — abortion is a choice which should be accompanied by some level of sadness, shame, or regret. But you know what? I have a good heart and having an abortion made me happy in a totally unqualified way. Why wouldn't I be happy that I was not forced to become a mother?"
In solidarity, and perhaps with the relief of finally being able to come right on out and say it, hundreds of other #ShoutYourAbortion tweets followed - just like these:
Telling our stories
No piece on abortion in New Zealand would be complete without mentioning doctor, reproductive rights advocate and author, Dame Margaret Sparrow. At age 21 she had an abortion herself, she has performed them, and she was one of the first women in New Zealand to take the contraceptive pill. In the 1970s she was central to the campaign to legalise abortion though unfortunately it was never legalised; instead the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act came about. Dame Sparrow helped establish a medical company, ISTAR Ltd, in 2002 to import the abortion pill, and she was a long serving president of ALRANZ. She has written two books, Abortion Then and Now: New Zealand Abortion Stories from 1940 to 1980 and Rough on Women: Abortion in 19th-Century New Zealand.
In an article by Michelle Duff, Breaking the Taboo on Abortion, Dame Sparrow says ""It's society that makes you feel guilty. We need to say: 'That abortion was the best thing I could have done at that time in my life.' We should be able to talk about it in a health-related way, in a family-related way, without somehow feeling we are less of a woman because we've had an abortion. We need less secrecy, and more honesty."
It's time to tell our stories. Television and film have a role to play in normalising women's abortion experiences. Groups such as ALRANZ continue to fight to stop abortion being a crime. Counter-protesters show up at clinics to offer support and solidarity for those who have chosen abortion and must then pass anti-choicers waving signs and shouting slogans at them. However, it's in everyday conversations that we'll truly make a difference.
You may not be comfortable shouting your abortion, if you've had one, but maybe if there's an opening in conversation one day you could share your experience. If someone says they've had an abortion don't wear your shocked face or offer commiserations. Let them talk. The voices of women who have had abortions must become louder than those of the anti-choice movement. Sharing without shame is the only way to get rid of abortion stigma.
Pro-life / Anti-choice
 |
| He does?... Image source |
Those who call themselves pro-life are incredibly vocal and persistent with their messages. They want women to feel shame and guilt if they have terminated a pregnancy but offer to take women into their fold so long as they admit feeling regret having done so, or are at the very least apologetic. The main players in New Zealand are Voice for Life (VFL), Right to Life, and ProLife New Zealand.
These placard-waving, slogan-chanting fanatics force women to run the gauntlet in their quest to find refuge in the rooms of abortion clinics around the country. This is harassment and intimidation, and studies such as this one show it has little effect in making women change their minds. VFL are responsible for protests such as these at Thames Hospital.
Thankfully counter-protesters are out there providing an emotional and physical barrier of sorts to women heading towards the doors of these clinics. It goes some way to showing them they are not alone.
Shout your abortion
In September 2015 the hashtag #ShoutYourAbortion was born (pun almost not intended) primarily by activist Amelia Bonow. She sent out a tweet in response to news that America's Planned Parenthood was going to be defunded following allegations regarding the use and donation of foetal organs and tissue.
She wrote, "Plenty of people still believe that on some level — if you are a good woman — abortion is a choice which should be accompanied by some level of sadness, shame, or regret. But you know what? I have a good heart and having an abortion made me happy in a totally unqualified way. Why wouldn't I be happy that I was not forced to become a mother?"
In solidarity, and perhaps with the relief of finally being able to come right on out and say it, hundreds of other #ShoutYourAbortion tweets followed - just like these:
My abortion was in '10 & the career I've built since then fulfills me & makes me better able to care for kids I have now. #ShoutYourAbortion— Lindy West (@thelindywest) September 20, 2015
I was 20, in school and my bc failed. I did not want a child. It was the right choice and I've never regretted it. #shoutyourabortion— Tame Lioness (@tame_lioness) September 21, 2015
This was never about women bragging about their abortions but as you can imagine many of the responses were vile. In an act of "fuck the trolls" an hilarious Abortion Tweet Theatre was put together.I've had 2 abortions. I don't have to justify or explain them to anybody. My life is more valuable than a potential life. #shoutyourabortion— Clementine Ford (@clementine_ford) September 21, 2015
Telling our stories
No piece on abortion in New Zealand would be complete without mentioning doctor, reproductive rights advocate and author, Dame Margaret Sparrow. At age 21 she had an abortion herself, she has performed them, and she was one of the first women in New Zealand to take the contraceptive pill. In the 1970s she was central to the campaign to legalise abortion though unfortunately it was never legalised; instead the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act came about. Dame Sparrow helped establish a medical company, ISTAR Ltd, in 2002 to import the abortion pill, and she was a long serving president of ALRANZ. She has written two books, Abortion Then and Now: New Zealand Abortion Stories from 1940 to 1980 and Rough on Women: Abortion in 19th-Century New Zealand.
In an article by Michelle Duff, Breaking the Taboo on Abortion, Dame Sparrow says ""It's society that makes you feel guilty. We need to say: 'That abortion was the best thing I could have done at that time in my life.' We should be able to talk about it in a health-related way, in a family-related way, without somehow feeling we are less of a woman because we've had an abortion. We need less secrecy, and more honesty."
It's time to tell our stories. Television and film have a role to play in normalising women's abortion experiences. Groups such as ALRANZ continue to fight to stop abortion being a crime. Counter-protesters show up at clinics to offer support and solidarity for those who have chosen abortion and must then pass anti-choicers waving signs and shouting slogans at them. However, it's in everyday conversations that we'll truly make a difference.
You may not be comfortable shouting your abortion, if you've had one, but maybe if there's an opening in conversation one day you could share your experience. If someone says they've had an abortion don't wear your shocked face or offer commiserations. Let them talk. The voices of women who have had abortions must become louder than those of the anti-choice movement. Sharing without shame is the only way to get rid of abortion stigma.
Our stories are ours to tell. This is not a debate. https://t.co/TZEiOqwsnF @ShoutYrAbortion pic.twitter.com/uNQpxibnEl— Trapped (@TrappedDoc) July 1, 2016
I had an abortion and I don't regret it.
For more information on abortion in New Zealand:
http://abortionservices.org.nz/index.html
http://www.abortion.gen.nz/
http://www.alranz.org/
http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/
Sparrow, M. (2010). Abortion Then and Now: New Zealand Abortion Stories from 1940 to 1980. Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University Press.
Sparrow, M. (2014).Rough on women : abortion in 19th-century New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University Press.
For more information on abortion in New Zealand:
http://abortionservices.org.nz/index.html
http://www.abortion.gen.nz/
http://www.alranz.org/
http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/
Sparrow, M. (2010). Abortion Then and Now: New Zealand Abortion Stories from 1940 to 1980. Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University Press.
Sparrow, M. (2014).Rough on women : abortion in 19th-century New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University Press.
