Abortion is Gender-Affirming Care
Having an abortion as a trans or gender non-conforming person comes with a lot to navigate. From gender dysphoria to being misgendered in the clinic setting or having a complicated relationship with medical systems due to racism and transphobia. A lot of people seeking abortions can feel isolated and alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can create a supportive community where every abortion seeker feels safe getting abortion care and sharing their experiences.
This Pride month, we’re sharing stories of trans and gender non-conforming people who have had abortions. Why? Because trans and gender non-conforming abortion seekers deserve inclusive and affirming abortion care – anytime, for any reason, anywhere, and for anybody.
Abortion care is about dignity, respect, and freedom from judgment, but that’s not always the case for trans and gender non-conforming people. Accessing abortion care today is already a challenging landscape characterized by legal restrictions, limited availability of services, and stigmatization. Even worse, Trans and gender non-conforming people often encounter hostile environments where their gender identity is not respected, leading to further distress and reluctance to seek care.
Supporting abortion means standing alongside every person seeking an abortion.
Read our stories below, share them with a friend, and join us in creating a supportive community where every abortion seeker feels safe getting abortion care and sharing their experiences.
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“When I found out I was pregnant, I wanted to have an abortion IMMEDIATELY. Seeing as I was a freshly out trans person, I had to navigate additional barriers going into a medical setting where I knew I would be misgendered and likely experience medical discrimination if I came out.” — Jack
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“My abortion was gender-affirming because it was one of the first times I had a medical provider who respected my name and pronouns. Medical professionals embracing transgender people for who we are is the first step in gender-affirming care.” — Nick
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“Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, I've talked with countless folks who almost didn't access abortion care. That’s because they didn't know they could travel out of state for care and many fear criminalization for crossing state borders to end their pregnancy. It's important for me to share because I had a post-Dobbs abortion, crossing state lines, as a non-binary person.” — Hanz
“Advocacy for a trans patient may be something small like informing the clinic of their correct name and pronouns before their appointment or something like continued support after their abortion through a network of doulas.” — Ash
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