Jocelyn Miller is a Montessori teacher in San Francisco who spends her weekdays supporting the growth, development, and independence of young children. She is a lover of writing, hiking, spending as much time outside as possible, and going to concerts. She wrote this piece to destigmatize abortion and to offer a story of strength and […]
Hyperemesis Gravidarum Abortion
Submitted by Susan Ponce When I found out I was pregnant, it was the best night with the love of my life. We were incredibly happy and he was the happiest man alive. We’re 24 and having a baby, YAY! However, the reason we found out I was pregnant is that I was so incredibly sick! […]
Death Threats and Pro-Voice Abortion Conversations
Last week I received my first “death threat” voicemail. It sounded to be a young man who was very angry at me for having an abortion and speaking about it publicly. Some of his words were nonsensical and yet the message was clear: “I want to come up there and kill you.” Yes, I reported […]
Become a Pro-Voice Ambassador
Are you interested in building community? Do you want to be trained on our pro-voice approach to abortion conversations? Want to host pro-voice conversations in your community? Perhaps you are simply interested in finding a way to put your energy and passion to work. We would love you to join us and spread pro-voice conversations […]
Story One: My Name is Cherri Lou Schnautz
Cherri Lou Schnautz has spent four decades studying whole health with an emphasis in athletics, exercise, and functional movement. Her formal academic background is comprised of a master’s degree in education, a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health, a registered nurse degree, a board certified Holistic RN, certifications in pilates, yoga, barre, bone health […]
Let’s Talk Abortion
Let’s Talk Abortion is monthly series centered on abortion experiences that aims to provide points of resonance and connection, promote communal emotional well-being, and to support our efforts in normalizing abortion and highlighting the uniqueness of each individuals’ stories. Have a story to tell? If you’re interested in participating in Let’s Talk Abortion, please reach […]
Let’s Talk Abortion: Melissa’s First
Melissa is an aspiring entrepreneur trapped in a 9:00 to 5:00 body. She is married to a wonderful man who still makes her belly laugh on the daily, and is mama to two beautiful boys who remind her that she should not take life nearly as serious as she tends to. Her passion is advocacy, especially for the most vulnerable individuals in her community, and she lives by the golden rule.
Faith Communities
Abortion is one stigmatized topic that often is not discussed publicly – and most especially not in faith communities. Exhale launched a Pro-Voice sermon tour in 2016, featuring then Board member Rev. Susan Chorley who shared her abortion story from 8 different pulpits of Protestant congregations in 6 different cities.
Have a Conversation about Abortion
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to unveil the official guide created in collaboration with The People’s Supper — Pro-Voice Abortion Conversations at the Table: A Story Sharing & Listening Guidebook. One of the ways we can end abortion stigma is by talking about it, so let’s start a cultural transformation at our dinner […]
Exhale Enters a New Chapter
In social justice movements all across the world, people are using story-sharing, listening, and deep and thoughtful conversations to build connected communities. There is a strong desire to create places (virtual and in person) to be real, to learn and to be transformed. This moment is an opportunity for Exhale to go big with engaging communities on […]
Let’s Talk Abortion: An Advocate at Heart
Allison Fuster is a counselor by education, an advocate at heart, and a creative person through and through. An Atlanta native, Allison continues to work in the southeast as an advocate for and provider of mental health services. Nina Pine: How did you become interested in reproductive health and working with patients around this issue? […]
Let’s Talk Abortion: My Abortion Story
Janet was the founder and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina and the Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina Action Fund, a 501(c)4 organization engaged in political work in the state. She retired from Planned Parenthood in 2016. Janet currently serves on the Board of Democracy North Carolina. In 2013, Rewire News named […]
Let’s Talk Abortion: Chanel’s Writing on Abortion and Judaism
Chanel Dubofsky is a writer based in Brooklyn. She worked in Jewish education and service, and left several years ago to write full-time. Chanel’s non-fiction work often includes reporting on abortion. Nina Pine: A lot of your non-fiction writing has been focused on abortion. Can you tell me more about what draws you to this topic? […]
Let’s Talk Abortion: Jessica’s Healing Journey
Jessica is a Chicago-native, entrepreneur, and storyteller. Jessica speaks with purpose, and her experience has taught her that healing takes work. While it ebbs and flows, and doesn’t arrive overnight, it is possible. Nina Pine: Can you tell me about your abortion experience? Jessica: I was on the pill at the time, and had been dating someone […]
The Hardest Day of my Life
Submitted by Sarah S It’s only been 4 days since I had the surgical procedure done. I can still feel everything as if it were still happening. Those hours in the waiting room tapping my feet and trying to convince myself that I wasn’t a monster. I am 16 years old and I was there alone. […]
Ending a Wanted Pregnancy
Submitted by Jessica Our son was two and we were ready to add on to our family. I became pregnant after our first try and we were very excited. I was a little nervous about my “advanced age” as I was 36 going on 37, but otherwise I felt good. We told our son about the […]