A month before Easter in 2004, I discovered I was pregnant. I had an almost 2 year old son at the time and was working as a minister in a church in the North Shore of MA. What most would think would be a joyful discovery, sent me and my then husband into a period of painful assessment of our … [Read more...] about Holy Week and My Abortion Experience
Discord in-Decision
“Don’t let it go too far,” says the gravel-voiced therapist I saw four timesIn a room that was spare.Low table, coffee pot, Kleenex.Not a couch but a black leather chair, Dusty slants of light.Her face lined with counsel,Solid, leaning forward, always asking.Not a couch but a chair. “Close … [Read more...] about Discord in-Decision
A Self-Care Guide
Rox Curiel and Susan Chorley hosted our final webinar for 2019, centered on self-care and wellness and the abortion experience. After the call, they put together some highlights for community members who couldn't participate. 1. Self-care is not about spending money This is often a myth … [Read more...] about A Self-Care Guide
Fall 2019 Webinar Series
Pro-Voice Abortion Care We are aware many of you provide daily support to people who have had abortions and may be looking for ways to expand your knowledge or build on your skills. In the interest of sharing our approach to post-abortion support more broadly Exhale is launching a Fall … [Read more...] about Fall 2019 Webinar Series
Exhale Launches Free and Confidential Post-Abortion Support Textline
Contact: Susan Chorleyinfo@exhaleprovoice.org | 857-728-1318 SAN FRANCISCO — To better address the emotional health needs of people who have experienced abortion, today Exhale launched a free, confidential abortion support textline. The new textline will complement Exhale’s confidential … [Read more...] about Exhale Launches Free and Confidential Post-Abortion Support Textline
Is it possible to be pro-voice and angry as hell?
We at Exhale believe the answer is yes. It is possible to be both pro-voice and angry as hell.When abortion is in the news, our textline receives an uptick in calls, and our callers express a wide range of feelings about their own abortion experiences and the future of reproductive healthcare in the … [Read more...] about Is it possible to be pro-voice and angry as hell?
Let’s Talk Abortion: Unwanted Miracle
Katalin Tamásfalvi is 33 years old. She was born and raised in Hungary and now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, working as a receptionist. We have many fears, both rational and irrational, many an unhealthy combination of both. A lot of things many of us have in common, like spiders, horror movies, … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: Unwanted Miracle
YOU are in the Top 10 for Exhale in 2018
As 2018 winds down we are reflecting on the things we hold most dear. To close out the year we want to showcase a “Top 10” list of what we love about Exhale, here are some of our favorite things: Here are some of the things you added! As an Exhale peer-counselor, I love that the talkline … [Read more...] about YOU are in the Top 10 for Exhale in 2018
After
Kristen Portney is a Marriage and Family Therapist located in Berkeley, CA. She has focused her studies and work towards creating compassionate post-abortion care in a time when women’s reproductive health and services are still under attack. Kristen has had more than one abortion and has dedicated … [Read more...] about After
To Remember
Lisa is 27 years old and grew up in southern Germany. She is living in Berlin, studying to become an actor. To Remember What hurts most is that I knew it from the beginning, when I slept with Jamir without protection. I knew it was risky. More, it was wrong. But it was as if a part of my … [Read more...] about To Remember
Let’s Talk Abortion: A Conversation with the Man Who Accompanied Me to the Clinic
Anonymous. My friend Robert and I go way back; we shared the same obscure major in college. Our relationship has always been strictly platonic, but over 10+ years of friendship, more than one person has assumed we’re husband and wife. We’ve stayed close as many things have changed in both of our … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: A Conversation with the Man Who Accompanied Me to the Clinic
Exhale Featured on UPworthy!
Exhale’s pro-voice mission and after-abortion support talkline are featured in a new Upworthy video*. It is a lovely piece featuring one of our amazing volunteer counselors, Amelia, and Executive Director, Susan Chorley. Please watch, and share it with those you want to know about our unique … [Read more...] about Exhale Featured on UPworthy!
Words of encouragement for people who have abortion experiences
Send a message of encouragement and care by writing in the comments section below, or by donating to keep Exhale programming going strong. … [Read more...] about Words of encouragement for people who have abortion experiences
Let’s Talk Abortion: An Open Letter to My First, My Only
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 … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: An Open Letter to My First, My Only
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 it to the … [Read more...] about Death Threats and Pro-Voice Abortion 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 … [Read more...] about Story One: My Name is Cherri Lou Schnautz
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 … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: Melissa’s First
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 … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: An Advocate at Heart
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 … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: My Abortion Story
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 … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: Chanel’s Writing on Abortion and Judaism
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 … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Abortion: Jessica’s Healing Journey