Sharing your story can be a turning point—an act of courage that helps you process what happened and lets someone else feel less alone. This guide walks you through how to share in ways that protect your privacy, respect your boundaries, and care for your heart.
We encourage you to begin by sharing you story here, on our site. But you may even be considering sharing to a broader audience, like social media. Whether you share anonymously here – and no one ever knows that it is you – or you share in a space where your friends and family are, we are here to support you. Below are some tips that will help you, no matter what your sharing looks like.
1) Decide what “safe” means for you (before you write)
Safety is personal. A few choices to make up front:
- Anonymity level: Would you like to use a first name only, a pseudonym, or “anonymous”?
- Audience: Are you comfortable sharing on a supportive site (like this one), or do you also want to post on your own channels?
- Boundaries: What topics are off limits for now (names, dates, locations, medical details)?
Tip: It’s okay to hold back details. Keeping your story focused and concise is often kinder to you and clearer for readers.
2) Craft your story with care (and without pressure)
If you’re staring at a blank page, try this simple structure:
- Start with the season, not the specifics. (“A few years ago…”)
- Name the emotional journey in broad strokes. (“I felt isolated… then found support…”)
- Share one turning point or lesson learned.
- Close with hope or a resource that helped.
For many women, putting their experience into words can support emotional processing and may ease distress over time. Benefits vary by person (and timing matters), but writing can be a gentle tool.
Gentle guardrail: If you notice a spike in distress while drafting, pause, ground yourself (deep breaths, a short walk), and consider coming back later—or writing with a counselor’s support.
3) Choose where and how to share
You have options:
- This site’s “Share Your Story” path (recommended for safety & support). It’s built for people who want to be heard with compassion and care.
- Anonymous or first-name submissions on supportive platforms.
- Recorded audio (voice-only) or written text. Pick what feels gentlest for you.
- Private journaling (kept offline) if you’re still exploring your words.
4) Care for your heart before and after sharing
Sharing can stir up feelings—relief, grief, anger, even anxiety. Build a “care plan” around your post:
- Before: Eat, hydrate, and set a time limit for writing. Tell a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor/counselor that you’re drafting.
- During: If your body cues overwhelm (racing heart, shaking), step away and ground (slow exhales, feet on the floor, name five things you see).
- After: Plan a calm activity (walk, prayer, journaling, art). Revisit your boundaries: do you want comments on or off? Will you read replies, or ask a trusted friend to screen them first?
5) What to say (and what you never have to say)
You can share your experience without debating your beliefs, politics, or medical details. A simple template:
“After my abortion, I felt [emotion words you choose]. I carried it mostly alone until [turning point]. What has helped me is [faith, counseling, support group, mentor]. If you’re hurting, you’re not alone.”
You never owe:
- Proof, justification, or medical specifics
- Replies to strangers
- More detail than you’re ready to give
6) Handling comments and staying grounded
- Expect a range of reactions. Even supportive spaces can surface strong opinions. It’s okay to step back.
- Moderate your exposure. Hide or turn off comments. Let a trusted friend read responses first.
7) If faith plays a role in your healing
For many, faith practices—prayer, Scripture, confession, lament, or pastoral care—provide language and community for grief and restoration. If that’s you, consider including a sentence about how your faith community (or a mentor) has walked with you. (If it isn’t you, that’s okay—your story still matters.)
8) Your next gentle step
When—and only when—you feel ready:
- Share your story here with the level of privacy you choose.
- Read others’ stories to remind yourself you’re not alone.
- Reach out for support if feelings swell unexpectedly. Places such as Rachel’s Vineyard and Support After Abortion are good places to find the help and support that would help you most.
Additional Resources for Your Post Abortion Healing:
- The Role of Support Groups in Post-Abortion Recovery
- Healing Together: Building a Community of Understanding and Support
- Grieving an Abortion: 5 Steps Toward Healing
- How Would I Know if I Have Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS)?
- Finding Healing: Understanding Post-Abortion Emotional Trauma
- Steps to Seeking Support After an Abortion
- 5 Ways to Cope with Post-Abortion Depression
