Activists Lindy West, Amelia Bonow and Kimberly Morrison started the#ShoutYourAbortion hashtag on Sept. 19, in response to the news that the House voted to defund Planned Parenthood. West asked people on Twitter to use the hashtag to share how their lives have been impacted by safe, legal abortion. Although many tweets were open and honest, sharing real stories about choices and experiences women went through, a flood of pro-lifers started filling the hashtag. For every tweet about abortion, though, the reality remains true that shame, stigma and societal pressures keep many women silenced from sharing their own experiences.

1.

#shoutyourabortion When I was 19, I discovered I was pregnant. I cannot take birth control. My partner was poking holes in the condoms.(1/2)

— Nancy Coda (@AnansiCoda) September 21, 2015

2.

Now I have the best kid in the world + resources to give her a good life–only bc I was able to end a pregnancy long ago. #ShoutYourAbortion

— Laura Brahm (@laclabra) September 21, 2015

3.

Ex partner of 4 yrs forced me into 2 abortions. My life is better now but only through the support of PP.#IStandWithPP #ShoutYourAbortion

— PeeWee (@msmaris) September 19, 2015

4.

We'd been together 8 weeks, BC failure. Were NOT ready to be parents. Best choice. We are now married 14 yrs, 2 kids. #ShoutYourAbortion

— harmony (@fonticulus) September 21, 2015

5.

I was 20. Among other things, the dysphoria surrounding a pregnancy as a transperson would have been a lot to cope with. #ShoutYourAbortion

— Jack Qu'emi (@jackquemi) September 21, 2015

6.

Haven't had one but I know women who have. Everyone should be completely entitled to make their own healthcare decisions. #ShoutYourAbortion

— Ariel Dumas (@ArielDumas) September 21, 2015

7.

https://twitter.com/allieil/status/645715052465627136

8.

Had mine at PP in '13. Physically incapable of carrying to term plus PTSD plus breakup with the dad – no regrets. #ShoutYourAbortion

— Imperator Lexiosa (@alexismilana) September 20, 2015

9.

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

10.

Honestly, my abortion at 20 was one of the first responsible, non-self-destructive, grown-ass choices I ever made. #ShoutYourAbortion

— Jessica Blankenship (@blanketboat) September 21, 2015

11.

When you ban abortion it doesn't stop, you just force it into backyards and force women & girls 2 risk their lives. #shoutyourabortion

— Jane Caro (@JaneCaro) September 21, 2015

12.

#ShoutYourAbortion When I was 14, I was raped at a party. I did a DIY abortion at home, with herbs and chemicals. I was alone. (1/2)

— Nancy Coda (@AnansiCoda) September 21, 2015

13.

My great-Grammy had 2 abortions – both illegal. She had no regret, felt no shame & was fiercely, proudly pro-choice. #ShoutYourAbortion

— Karyn (@ConundrumK) September 21, 2015

14.

In places where abortion is illegal, abortions are massively more likely to end in death. You are NOT pro-life. #ShoutYourAbortion

— river. (@royaIcutie) September 21, 2015

15.

You are not pro-life if you do not help the impoverished, the hungry, the single mother. #ShoutYourAbortion

— miz andree (@heatherjeez) September 21, 2015

16.

#ShoutYourAbortion because a 1 night stand doesn't give him rights to ur body for 9 months

— Exodus Girls (@ExodusGirls) September 21, 2015

17.

i recognize my privilege posting my story in #ShoutYourAbortion, publicly & without repercussions, i wish it could be the same for everyone

— #noncompliant (@sadwhitegrrrl) September 21, 2015

18.

I had a miscarriage and needed a D&C. When abortions are banned, will this be legal? Will I be investigated for murder? #ShoutYourAbortion

— Cary, fully vaxed!!! 🇺🇸 (@Cary_wh) September 21, 2015

19.

https://twitter.com/LupaPuella/status/645995915728277504

20.

#ShoutYourAbortion I never had one, but my college roommate needed my support for one after she was raped. I never let her feel bad for it.

— molissamakes (@molissamakes) September 21, 2015

21.

Women are not merely portals through which other human beings enter the world. They are fully as human as you are. #shoutyourabortion

— Jane Caro (@JaneCaro) September 21, 2015

22.

Abortion should not be a source of shame. Regardless of the reason, the choice of what happens to your body is yours. #ShoutYourAbortion

— GOODBYE, MR CASUALLY CRUEL💛💛 (@sarafantastical) September 21, 2015

23.

#shoutyourabortion bc there's nothing wrong w making the best choice for yourself and you are perfect and deserve safe, legal, healthcare

— bee itch (@DamselFlai) September 21, 2015

24.

#ShoutYourAbortion had a tubal pregnancy and an abortion saved my life.

— aliceinthewater (@aliceinthewater) September 21, 2015

25.

My abortion was in '07. I didn't want kids then and still don't. I'm managing my own wellness. #ShoutYourAbortion

— nobody’s maybe (@findi_mue) September 20, 2015

26.

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

27.

17 + failed birth control. My body, my life, my choice. Not one regret. #ShoutYourAbortion

— ✖️ (@xoxeau) September 21, 2015

28.

https://twitter.com/jeanxhobbs/status/646044140300595200

29.

#ShoutYourAbortion I was 16, it was the first time I had unprotected sex, and my bf was an IV drug user. Abortion made my life better.

— Emily huMan (@tarpsy) September 21, 2015

30.

My reasons, circumstances are irrelevant and none of your business. #ShoutYourAbortion

— Exodus Girls (@ExodusGirls) September 21, 2015