“Any Reason is Valid:” How an Unexpected Abortion Disclosure is Received by an Online Community

ABSTRACT

This study utilized a social media post by a well-known social media influencer and the accompanying 63 responses to explore feelings and experiences related to abortion. This study employed qualitative thematic analysis and identified three themes related to reasons for abortion (i.e., relationship issues, not being ready for pregnancy, and other reasons) and one supplemental theme of bystander support. Findings highlight the efforts of many respondents to normalize abortion as an issue of women’s health and women’s rights. In fact, in response to the original post’s discussion regarding valid reasons for an abortion, most respondents remarked similarly that any reason is valid. While study limitations include concerns regarding generalizability, this study provides access to abortion experiences outside of a traditional health clinic survey and insight into the abortion beliefs of women, both who have and have not experienced an abortion. Findings are in line with previous studies which found that multiple reasons are cited for obtaining an abortion, but also revealed a more supportive climate than the divisive discourse typically portrayed in the media. This suggests the timing may be conducive for efforts aiming to normalize abortion and reduce stigma, including potential avenues for interventions (e.g., social networks and platforms). Lastly, the innovative use of social media to inform this study should be considered by others as they seek to understand and explore topics that can be challenging to study.

KEYWORDS:

• Abortion
• reproductive health
• feminism
• reproductive justice

Introduction

Reproductive justice

Our study is grounded in the reproductive justice framework which recognizes that one’s reproductive destiny is directly linked to the conditions within her/their community and that these conditions are not simply individual choice and access (Ross, 2006). Importantly, the reproductive justice movement goes beyond the singular and isolated focus of access to abortion and addresses the social justice issues which directly affect women’s decision making. As such, reproductive justice focuses on reproductive oppression rather than just the right to abortion. More specifically, the reproductive justice framework is focused on enhancing the life of women, creating healthier families, more sustainable communities, and seeks to organize women to challenge structural inequalities of power. The primary principles of reproductive justice are 1) the right not to have a child; 2) the right to have a child; 3) the right to parent children in safe and health environments (Ross & Solinger, 2017).

To this end, the authors approach this study about why women seek abortions and ground the findings in way that is consistent with the reproductive justice framework. As such, the authors use the term “women” intentionally, not to exclude individuals who have female reproductive organs and identify as transgender or non-cisgender but because we recognize that people are more than their reproductive systems and also recognize the importance of reproductive health care such as abortions for transgender and non-binary people. It is our intention that when we use the term “women” the reader will understand that this term includes persons who identify as transgender or non-cisgender.

The purpose of this study is to further understand the thoughts and feelings of individuals who have sought abortion and explore the current discourse regarding abortion. We will discuss the findings through a reproductive justice framework and examine how the responses, although centered on abortion, cross the span of reproductive justice issues.

Abortion

Abortion is a highly stigmatized topic which evokes intense controversy, including debates around language, terminology, as well as contention on the “acceptable” reasons for obtaining an abortion (Sanger, 2016). Despite the stigmatization and controversy, its estimated that one in four women will have an abortion by age 45. The total number of abortions in 2017 was 862,000, a 19% decline from 2011 (Nash & Dreweke, 2019). Women in their 20ʹs account for the largest age group obtaining abortions, with the majority of abortions occurring at eight weeks gestation or less (Jatlaoui et al., 2019). Racial disparities are evident in abortion rates: White women have the lowest abortion rate out of all ethnic groups (Jones & Jerman, 2017); the abortion rate for Hispanic women is nearly two times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic White women and the abortion rate for non-Hispanic Black women is nearly four times higher than for non-Hispanic White women (Jatlaoui et al., 2019). Importantly, research from the Guttmacher Institute found that abortion rates declined in almost all fifty states from 2011 to 2017, regardless of state enacted abortion restrictions and even within states which increased access to abortion (Nash & Dreweke, 2019).

Previous studies investigating the reasons women seek abortions found that women often cite multiple reasons for obtaining an abortion, with it not uncommon for women to provide up to four or five reasons (Biggs, Gould, & Foster, 2013; Chae, Desai, Crowell, & Sedgh, 2017; Finer, Frohwirth, Dauphinee, Singh, & Moore, 2005; Kirkman, Rowe, Hardiman, Mallett, & Rosenthal, 2009). In fact, participants in one study cited as many as eight reasons for obtaining an abortion (Finer et al., 2005). Indeed, a frequent theme voiced by researchers across these studies involved noting the complexity of the circumstances leading to the decision to have an abortion, underscoring the necessity for future researchers to allow study participants to respond to similar questions with more than one reason (Biggs et al., 2013; Chae et al., 2017; Kirkman et al., 2009).

Although the social and demographic characteristics of the women obtaining abortions have shifted slightly over time (Finer et al., 2005), the predominant reasons reported for obtaining an abortion have been relatively consistent, with common themes regarding: timing (e.g. not ready for a child), partner-related reasons (e.g. not in a stable relationship), feeling the need to focus on current children, education or employment concerns, and a lack of adequate financial support for a child (Biggs et al., 2013; Chae et al., 2017; Finer et al., 2005; Kirkman et al., 2009). Qualitative explorations of women’s tangible concerns (e.g. employment, finances, support) illuminated a relationship to more abstract concepts, like what it means to be a good mother (Jones, Frohwirth, & Moore, 2008; Kirkman et al., 2009).

Abortion is viewed by many as a highly stigmatized behavior in the U.S. as well as in other countries, with higher stigmatization evident in countries with greater abortion restrictions (Shellenberg et al., 2011). Many women who obtain an abortion report feelings of shame and judgment (Shellenberg et al., 2011), and results from a national cross-sectional survey (n = 3893) in the U.S. found over half of respondents (58%) felt the need to keep their abortion secret from close friends and family (Shellenberg & Tsui, 2012). The threat of expected discrimination or feelings of stigmatization of their abortion can cause women to hide their abortion history, negatively impacting their well-being and leading to social isolation (Hanschmidt, Linde, Hilbert, Riedel- Heller, & Kersting, 2016; Major, Gramzow, & Major, 1999).

The social isolation and fear of judgment women may experience could be one reason they turn to online communities, which can provide a sense of shared community, social support, and the opportunity to give or receive practical advice (Adler & Adler, 2008; Cipolletta, Votadoro, & Faccio, 2017; de Koster, 2010). For individuals experiencing in-person stigmatization, such as transgender individuals, an online community may be the main place they go to for support (Cipolleta et al., 2017). Unfortunately, online forums can still be a source of negativity (Cipolletta et al., 2017; Kosenko, Winderman, & Pugh, 2019; Yeshua-Katz, 2015), as even closed Facebook groups cannot completely guard against trolls, shaming, and rejection (Cipolletta et al., 2017). Forums may pro-actively monitor their online spaces, creating norms and community policies to protect against stigmatizing comments from outsiders (Cipolletta et al., 2017; Yeshua-Katz, 2015).

Women discussing abortion in the online space may encounter social support but have to contend with stigmatizing comments as well. The #ShoutYourAbortion (SYA) movement to normalize abortion started in 2015 when Amelia Bonow posted her abortion story on Facebook in response to the U.S. Congress’s attempts to defund Planned Parenthood (Kosenko et al., 2019; SYA, n.d.). The hashtag quickly grew in popularity, expanding to a grassroots movement for women to share their abortion experiences initially online and eventually included art and community events as well (Kosenko et al., 2019; SYA, n.d.). Kosenko et al. (2019) conducted a thematic analysis of 7639 original twitter messages with the hashtag “#ShoutYourAbortion,” captured over a ten-day period between September and October 2015. Approximately 26% of the messages met their definition of stigma related messages, labeling abortion as “physically, behaviorally, socially, and/or morally deficient.” Although grassroot movements, such as #ShoutYourAbortion and #ThankGodForAbortion, are working to reduce stigma associated with abortion, few research studies have investigated interventions aimed at reducing stigma for women or addressing public attitudes of women who have abortions (Hanschmidt et al., 2016).

Method

This study adopted a qualitative research approach to analyze a sample of social media content about experiences of abortion. The authors compiled a list of responses to the following social media post: “A follower who just had an abortion asked me to do a post. They want me to ask how those who’ve had an abortion, felt about it. They don’t regret it but don’t think their reason was valid. If you’re comfortable talking about your own experiences, this is the post.” Authors employed content analysis and supplemented with thematic analysis.

Study sample and data collection

A well-known social media influencer created a post in November 2019 asking her followers why they sought abortion. All responses were recorded in April 2020. At the time of data extraction, the authors recorded sixty-three responses. No responses were excluded from analysis.

Ethical considerations

The social media post took place on a public page and all responses came from users who follow the original poster. While most of the pictures and names of respondents were publicly available, the research team did not collect names, or attempt to curate demographic data from pictures used by the respondents. Furthermore, the authors did not view or attempt to view the personal profiles of any of the respondents. The lead author submitted a request to the institutional review board for review and a decision about the need for IRB review. The IRB determined that no IRB approval was needed as the data was all publicly available and the authors would not be releasing identifying information.

Data analysis

Content analysis of preexisting messages on social media allowed for unobtrusive data collection (Liamputtong, 2013). This less invasive method was selected given the stigmatized nature of the topic. Data was retrieved and stored in password protected excel file. The first two authors reviewed the data and discussed and the process of analyzing data. We used open and focused coding throughout the process. The first cycle of coding was descriptive, meaning the two authors assigned short-phrase labels to data. The second cycle was focused coding in which we sorted data into themes based on their conceptual fit with one another. During the process, each coder separately coded the responses and kept notes about the process as an audit trail (Carcary, 2009). Next, the two authors met to review codes, and discuss revisions to codes. The primary coders reached 100% consensus before the third author review all codes and audit trails as a final reliability check.

Results

The findings are organized into four themes: three that are related to reasons for obtaining an abortion and one theme that emerged from those that had not had an abortion.

Reasons for abortion

Relationships

The primary theme that emerged from the data was regarding relationships. Twenty-three of the responses indicated the relationship was unhealthy or abusive and led to the decision to receive an abortion. One of the respondents indicated the relationship was so unhealthy it wouldn’t have been a positive situation for the child or the mother:

I don’t regret my abortion. I was just getting out of an abusive relationship. I couldn’t imagine co-parenting in such an environment or leaving a child with him. I also couldn’t afford to raise this child on my own. That abortion saved my life and my sanity. My future children will be so loved because I’ll be more prepared.

Some of the participants indicated they do think about the abortion(s) and who the child(ren) would have become but ultimately identify the decision as being the best for the situation:

I’ve had 2 abortions, one at 21 and at 25 after my daughter was born. I think about how old they would be now, and I get a little sad. I do realize that if I [had] given birth to those children I wouldn’t have been a good parent. I would still be [in] the unhealthy relationship with the father. I know it was for the best.

Not ready

Several responses listed multiple reasons for seeking an abortion. While these respondents indicated several reasons, a primary theme emerged within. Overwhelmingly, the respondents indicated that in addition to relationship issues or another reason, they were not ready to be a parent. Whether that was physically, mentally or financially, the respondents articulated they were not able to provide or care for a child at that point in their life.

I wasn’t ready and the relationship was new. I felt it was a bullshit reason since I had a support system and was financially capable. I was also going against my religious beliefs. But I didn’t want to resent a child I wasn’t ready for and be stuck with someone I wasn’t 100% about. 4 years later after being cheated on by the same dude twice. I think I made the right choice. I regret that I put myself in the position that the choice needed to be made but I’m okay with it.

Another participant summarized their experience like this: “I was reckless … and vengeful. I didn’t want to carry a child while carrying that kind of energy, and definitely didn’t want to bear one into the chaos that was happening. Besides that, I didn’t want to share the responsibility with the would be father. I didn’t want to be stuck with him no way, no how. It really made me look at myself and my belief system and how I really felt about abortion because before my own experience, I was vehemently against it. Walking in those shoes, I totally understand the COURAGE it takes for a woman to make such a difficult decision. I don’t regret it.”

Others indicated the timing was simply not right. “Any reason is valid. I’ve had an abortion because I knew I wasn’t emotionally, mentally or financially ready for a child. I’m not sad about it. When I made the decision I felt a lot of peace making it.”

Or this participant who recognized that she wouldn’t have been the mom the children deserved: “At the time, I didn’t regret the 2 I had. My husband and I wasn’t in a good place and I wasn’t mentally. But now that I’m older, I still dont, but I have moments where I’m like they’d be this age, they’d be doing this. But I know I couldn’t have been the mom they deserved.”

Other reasons

Although most of the respondents indicated an unhealthy relationship or unreadiness as the primary reason for seeking an abortion, some respondents fell into another category labeled “other reasons.” One respondent indicated that she had no choice and that her parent forced her to have an abortion. Another respondent indicated that as a 16-year-old the respondent became pregnant by a 43-year-old. Similarly, one respondent said:

I had an abortion when I was 23. I was raped by someone I thought was a friend while I was serving in the Army overseas. I don’t regret my decision, but I do think about it from time to time.

Of the final two responses that fell within this theme, one referenced a lack of social support and loneliness while the other articulated a lack of desire to have children and had a tubal ligation shortly afterward.

Supplemental theme

While this next theme is dissimilar to the others, the authors would be remiss to not include it due to the overwhelming amount of responses. This last theme envelops the responses in which respondents did not disclose their own abortion experiences but showed support to those who have sought abortion.

Bystander support

Twenty responses were from respondents who did not disclose any personal abortion stories but commented on the original post to show support. The following is one example of many comments that demonstrated support for those who have sought abortion and in response to the original post:

We focus so much on the idea of regret with abortions. It seems logical, because as a culture we are still not comfortable with abortion, or knowledgeable about what it actually entails, who gets them and why. We also really don’t like to talk about the many people who have regret about parenthood. Particularly women. It isn’t about loving your kids. But many, many people regret parenthood. But we’re not ready to talk about that. Your decision was valid if it was your decision. That’s all that’s necessary.

Other comments were simple with short statements like “sending support” or “hugs.” Many responses included statements such as “any reason is valid,” or “I never had one! I would if I had to or if I wanted to because it’s my choice!” Furthermore, additional responses included posts from: respondents who identified as having fertility issues yet still demonstrated support of this person’s choice; respondents reminding others that abortion is healthcare; respondents acknowledging that pregnancy, childbirth, and raising children are all hard; respondents stating that if parenthood won’t bring someone joy then they need to make the decision they need to make; and respondents who shared stories of regret regarding not choosing abortion, such as this commenter:

I have only been pregnant once. I should not have fucked that man, I should not have kept the pregnancy, I should not have kept the baby. The whole situation was a long string of bad decision-making on my part. Now I make the best of it, but with full awareness of the fact that I should have chosen another path. And to all the women who did choose to abort, I admire you for being stronger & braver than I was.

Discussion

The results of our study are aligned with previous research and contribute to the literature through by highlighting the thoughts and feelings regarding abortion from an online community. This approach to studying abortion is novel Although respondents may have censored their comments, it is highly unlikely respondents believed their comments would be analyzed for the purposes of future research and thus offer valid insight. Authors were encouraged by the messages of support offered to women who have gone through this personal struggle and commend all respondents on their bravery and sharing of intimate details of their lives regarding a highly stigmatized issue. Congruent with findings from previous researchers (Biggs et al., 2013; Chae et al., 2017; Kirkman et al., 2009), respondents provided multiple reasons for obtaining an abortion and described contextual factors that led to their decision, highlighting the need for a qualitative approach when examining the decision-making process. Within our study, four themes emerged from our analysis of the 63 responses to the original post: three related to reasons for obtaining an abortion (i.e., relationships, not being ready to become a parent or be pregnant, and an “other” category that contained a variety of responses) and one supplemental theme emerged from the responses of those that had not had an abortion (i.e., bystander support).

Relationships

Regarding the primary theme of “relationships,” respondents described how unhealthy or abusive relationships led to the decision to obtain an abortion. Respondents reported their reluctance to bring a child into the unhealthy environment or create additional ties to the partner. This is in line with previous research which finds that more women cite similar reasons for having an abortion rather than recounting being coerced into having an abortion by the abusive partner (Jones et al., 2011; Chibber, Biggs, Roberts, & Foster, 2014; Hall et al., 2014). Furthermore, enhancing women’s lives is a clear goal of the reproductive justice framework. Healthy relationships in which women are safe from abuse is essential to the achieving this goal. Previous research indicates that women may seek an abortion to minimize involvement with the abusive partner or to avoid raising a child in an abusive environment (Jones et al., 2011; Chibber et al., 2014; Hall et al., 2014). Coercion and control by abusive partners is more evident in contraception decision-making, and the literature suggests that women involved in relationships where IPV is present lack full autonomy regarding choice of contraception, experience contraception sabotage, or lack the financial control to afford contraception (Gee, Mitra, Wan, Chavkin, & Long, 2009; Hall et al., 2014). As a result, some studies have found IPV to be associated with the number of pregnancies and the number of abortions (Gee et al., 2009; Hall et al., 2014), with “risk” for multiple abortions (Colarossi & Dean, 2014) and abortions that occur at later gestational ages (Colarossi & Dean, 2014; Ely & Murshid, 2017).

Not ready

Under the theme of “not being ready to become a parent or be pregnant,” respondents described an intentional decision-making process about whether to have an abortion or not, analyzing their financial, emotional, and mental capacity at the time. The comments articulated the reluctance to expose a child to the respondent’s circumstances, citing a lack of being able to meet a child’s needs. This theme is also cited in previous studies which find that women consider their available resources in order to determine if they will be able to meet the needs of a child and is in line with the reproductive justice framework which is focused on healthy sustainable families Additionally, women are disproportionately affected by the rearing of children which has been dubbed “the motherhood tax” in which women are negatively affected in the workplace (e.g. promoted less) after having children. Women are also significantly affected by poverty. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2018, 12.9% were living in poverty. For families with a female householder, the poverty rate was 24.9% compared to married couple families (4.7%) and male householder families (12.7%). The gender disparities in poverty are most prevalent during women’s childbearing years from 18 to 44. The US has below average policies in place to support women and families. The lack of attention to supportive family policies in the US such as paid family leave, funding for childcare, and medical leave, exacerbates problems faced by women. This has become increasingly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic when school closures were normative and masses of women left the workforce to take on caregiving responsibilities (Albanesi & Kim, 2021; Kantamneni, 2020). With this in mind, it is not difficult to identify reasons why individuals would not be ready for parenthood.

Other reasons

The last theme regarding reasons for abortion labeled “other reasons” captured responses that did not necessarily share as high a response rate as the themes previously discussed but are important to include nonetheless. Responses in this category contained references to rape, deference to parental authority, relationships that would not work long-term, and acknowledging the lack of desire to ever have children.

Providing support

Separate from the discussion of reasons for obtaining an abortion, authors were encouraged by the supplemental theme of “providing support.” Unlike the (mostly) safe space of an online support group, the social media influencer posed the original question regarding abortion in an area unrelated to the topic, presumably without any preconceived notions on the type of responses she would receive. Although there was great potential for a wide range of comments on this highly divisive issue, the comments from respondents who had not had an abortion were overwhelmingly compassionate toward those who had decided to have one.

It is our hope that by highlighting the results from this study lawmakers will consider ways in which they can improve the lives of women through policy initiatives that seek to promote the wellbeing of women across the lifespan rather than enacting oppressive laws (e.g., Texas SB8) that disregard the physical and emotional safety and wellbeing of women.

Findings from this study parallel other research acknowledging respondents’ consideration of limited resources (e.g., financial, emotional) on whether to have an abortion or not (Biggs et al., 2013; Finer et al., 2005; Jones et al., 2008; Kirkman et al., 2009) and that they take the responsibilities of motherhood seriously (Kirkman et al., 2009). Moreover, multiple respondents described how their opinions or beliefs regarding abortion changed due to the experiences they themselves went through. This may be due in part to preconceived notions the public maintains regarding who has abortions and for what reasons, highlighting the need to showcase a variety of stories behind women’s abortion choices as well as providing additional context to those stories. It also discourages society’s penchant for judging women who have had an abortion instead of, first and foremost, treating them with compassion. Fear of judgment ensures that women maintain secrecy regarding their abortions instead of reaching out for the support they may desire. Stated clearly in the original post itself, was the desire for community and also messaging regarding the existence of valid or acceptable reasons to have an abortion. Respondents shared their own internal conflict regarding whether they felt their circumstances justified an abortion or not. However, multiple respondents voiced support for the author of the original post, commenting that “any reason is valid” and referenced the current right of women to choose to have an abortion.

It is worth noting that while a number of respondents referenced thinking about the children they would have had if they had not chosen to have an abortion, the overwhelming conclusion voiced was that it was the best decision for their circumstances. In fact, the only regret mentioned by respondents was in reference to not obtaining an abortion. Findings from our study are in stark contrast to the narrative offered by opponents of abortion who support state limitations as a way to “save” women from making a decision they will later regret (Charles, Polis, Sridhara, & Blum, 2008; Lee, 2003; Munk-Olson et al. 2011; Rocca et al., 2015).

Limitations

This study should be considered within the context of its limitations. First, the intent is to understand and not to explain or draw conclusions. Additionally, the sample was collected online via social media and limited to a specific post on one particular public influencer’s social media page. These restrictions limit who saw the post and who responded to the post. The social media post was publicly available, and the public nature of the post may have limited who responded and what was said. However, this is a novel data collection method in the abortion literature.

The authors were purposeful to not collect identifying information such as names or attempt to draw conclusions about the respondents based on their profile pictures, thus limiting the ability to discuss the potential demographic information about those who are represented in this sample.

Conclusion

Abortion is a hotly debated political issue in the United States. In 2020, with the appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, discussions about overturning Roe vs. Wade were ever present in the media. With the topic being highly controversial, opponents of both sides of the argument present opinions and considerations regarding abortion laws in the United States and abortion in general. It is critically important that research plays a role in this debate, replacing preconceived notions and myths with concrete data. This study adds to the empirical evidence demonstrating that women are intentional regarding their decisions to have abortions and consider the needs of the child in their deliberations. Their decision-making is based on their complex circumstances at the time, and they believe they made the best choice under those circumstances. The polarization of ideologies and politics continues to grow in the United States, threatening access to abortion and further increasing the need for research that humanizes those who seek abortion and works to further reproductive justice.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.