Survey suggests most women would not tell family if they were considering abortion

By Jane Kirby, Health Editor6th November 2019News EnglandAbortion, News England, Pregnancy

Only one in three women would tell their family if they were considering abortion, according to a new poll.

The survey of 2,684 women aged over 18 for Marie Stopes International, which provides abortions, found most women would hide an abortion from their family.

Just over a third (34%) would speak to their friends but not all would tell their partner – with just 62% saying they would.

Some 6% of women would not talk to anyone apart from a medical professional about their decision, the survey found.

Of the women polled, 92% said they were pro-choice and 79% said abortion should be talked about more openly.

The charity has launched a new campaign – #SmashAbortionStigma – backed by Liberal Democrat MP Heidi Allen (pictured), novelist Marian Keyes and Derry Girls actress Siobhan McSweeney.

Dr Caroline Gazet, clinical director for Marie Stopes UK, said: “In the UK, one in three women will have an abortion in her lifetime, yet we know that abortion stigma can make women feel judged, shamed and silenced.

“Women want to talk, and our research shows that open and honest conversations about abortion help women and girls feel informed, educated and supported when it comes to making their own choices about their own bodies.

“The UK is a pro-choice nation, but with a small minority of anti-choice voices threatening abortion rights worldwide, it is more important than ever that we smash abortion stigma and champion the right of women to access abortion care.”