Jeana Nam
Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Houston, TX
I share my story because I want to normalize abortion, particularly in communities that don't often talk about it. I want Asian Americans and people who grew up in church to know that abortion is normal and okay.
Abortion Advice: Be gentle with yourself. Accept your feelings about your abortion. Relief, anxiety, apathy, sadness, gratitude, anger, remorse, happiness: they're all okay. Talk about them with someone who makes you feel safe.
How I honor my abortion: I honor my abortion by sharing my story unapologetically. I honor my abortion by showing up fully for myself and my community because my abortion made that possible.
What I wish people knew about abortion: I wish people knew that abortion is safe, normal, common, and unnecessarily politicized and restricted. I wish people knew that their ambivalence and silence around the state of reproductive rights in our country actively contribute to the stigmatization of abortion, and this allows politicians to continuously push care out of reach for marginalized folks.
What is your favorite abortion story on TV?
Diane Nguyen's abortion story on BoJack Horseman blew my mind when I first saw it. Diane is an Asian-American woman who didn't have any doubts or regrets about her abortion, but her abortion did stir up some feelings in her and in the people around her! The episode also highlighted the absurdity of state-mandated "counseling" and ultrasounds that have the sole purpose of shaming people for having abortions ("By law, I have to tell you that at one month, your puppies have a favorite color, and that color may be blue"). It's a depiction full of compassion, nuance, and humor.
Jeana in the Press
