To my Friend in Texas


Note: The Exhale Pro-Voice After-Abortion Stories Hub includes people’s stories of their experiences and emotions, exactly as they have written them in. We do not edit these stories at all, and the content that follows this message is exactly as we received it. We know that people’s experiences are complex, and these stories reflect the many emotions they may be feeling after their abortions. From relief to grief, and everything in between, and all at the same time, we’re here for you.


Submitted by: Jane Doe

To My Friend in Texas:

It’s the first hour of the day
as I lay awake;
thinking of how you must be feeling
of Senate Bill 8.

As news hit the headlines
and everyone takes their stances,
I can’t help but think of you,
as you fight the masses.

As you’ve passed the six-week mark
and everything caves in.
Your mind goes on over-ride.
It starts to sinks in.


The fear.
The pain.
The terror.
The strain.
Society.
Norms.
Degradation.
And Shame.
-The panic
-The dread
What will I do?
How will this end?
Who can I turn to?
Who is my friend?

All I want is for this to be over.
And to never go through this
again.

So many unanswered questions
but this I know for sure:

We’re here and we love you.
We support you and care.
Your cries have been heard.
They’ve been mourned.
They’ve been shared.

We’re here,
we stand with you;
in power
and strength.

For the right that is yours,
to choose your own fate—
between your doctor and care provider—
despite religious faith.

We’re folks to be reckoned with.
We’ll fight to the end.
For this is our body, our choice,
and ours defend.

We’ll shout from the hill tops,
We’ll chant from the streets,
We’ll write to our legislatures,
We’ll call every week.

We’ll march, we’ll get loud, we’ll run, we’ll stomp our feet.
We’ll make moves, we’ll be heard and
We’ll sing:

Let. Freedom. Ring.

With You Always,

Jane Doe
Sister, Daughter, Friend
Abortion Date: 01/28/2017


You deserve nonjudgmental
after-abortion support.

Text Exhale Pro-Voice:

617-749-2948

Our confidential textline is available in the US and Canada and is staffed during the following hours:

Weekdays: 3 pm-9 pm (Pacific Time)
Saturdays: 1 pm-9 pm (Pacific Time)
Sundays: 3 pm-7 pm (Pacific Time)

Se habla español.
Due to high text volume, please expect a response within 24 hours.

One response to “To my Friend in Texas”

  1. Ellen

    Beautiful. 👏
    Thank you, kindly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *