COERCED ABORTION IS ABUSE. PRESSURISED CONSENT IS NOT CONSENT.

The narrative around abortion decisions is often focused on 'choice' and 'autonomy', but that is far from the reality that many women face. Women often find themselves subject to coercion and pressure to have an abortion from partners, family members, employers, healthcare staff or others in their life. This pressure can be subtle, like suggesting she would be unable to cope with parenthood, to severe, like threatening violence if she refuses to have an abortion. This coercion often goes unidentified by clinic and healthcare staff, and women go on to have abortions they never wanted. This is not informed consent. Coerced abortion is abuse, and women deserve to be protected from it.

Hayley is one of the countless victims of coerced abortion.

Have you been affected by coerced or pressurised abortion?

If you are being forced or pressured into an abortion, it's not too late:

  • Tell the clinic or hospital staff

  • Tell a trusted friend or family member

  • Tell the police

Click here for domestic abuse helplines

If you are unsure if you being coerced or pressured into an abortion, the organisation Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline has an online self-assessment tool to help you work through your situation. You can find it here: https://www.archtrust.org.uk/coercion

If you have been a victim of coerced abortion, or are otherwise struggling after the decision to have an abortion, ARCH is dedicated to promoting the emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being of clients, by the provision of real understanding, counselling and supportive help to women, men and familes after an abortion. To contact ARCH:

Call the helpline: 0345 603 8501

Or email: info@archtrust.org.uk

Do you want to help combat abortion coercion?

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children is running a campaign to make sure the law protects women from abortion coercion. To see how you can help, visit: www.spuc.org.uk/coercion

If you want to learn more about the reality of coerced abortion, SPUC has created resources with more information on the topic, visit www.spuc.org.uk/coercion.

You can also order materials to spread the word here.