Australian Abortion Stories - podcast cover

Australian Abortion Stories

Hosted by Kelsey & Cassidypodcasters.spotify.com
1 in 4 Australian women will have at least one abortion in their lifetime. This podcast is a space for Australian women and people to share their stories and experiences, and for Australian professionals to share their work in abortion access and care. Come join the conversation!
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Episodes

35 | Cassie's Story | Procedural Abortion, Unexpected Barriers to Access, System Failure, Post Abortion and Contraception Challenges

In episode 35, Cassidy sits down with Cassie who shares the unexpected twists and turns that led to her surgical abortion within the hospital. Cassie talks about the barriers to her accessing an abortion, how she was supported and the challenges she still faces thirteen months on. It was a pleasure to connect with Cassie, to hear her story and to seriously consider the challenges that people still face when trying to access abortion here in Australia. Thank you Cassie! Support the podcast⁠: http...

Sep 30, 20231 hr 7 min

34 | Kari's Story | Procedural Abortions, PhD Research Into Abortion Stigma and Work for Children by Choice (SA)

In episode 34, Cassidy sits down with Kari who shares her two procedural abortion stories. Kari reflects on how positive her abortions were and talks about her PhD research into abortion stigma. She shares the hurdles and challenges she came up against while completing her PhD including what led her to pause her research. Kari has completed work for Children by Choice (QLD) and contributes invaluable work in the field of abortion advocacy and research. Thank you for joining us on the podcast Kar...

Sep 01, 202356 min

33 | Bess's Story | Medical and procedural abortions, reflections and processing over time (NSW)

In episode 33, Cassidy sits down with Bess who shares her two abortion stories that took place ten years ago. Bess reflects on her experiences and shares valuable insights about abortion, how we think about it and how we respond to it. Thank you Bess! Support the podcast⁠: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions ⁠ State by state abortion support organisations: QLD - Children by Choice NSW - Family Planning NSW NT - Family Planning NT VIC - 1800 My Options SA - SHINE SA and Pregnancy Advisor...

Aug 06, 202344 minEp. 33

32 | Abortion Pills, Pain, Ultrasound & Pro-Life Comments (Kels & Cass Chat #2)

On July 11, 2023, the TGA published a press release stating that restrictions on what healthcare providers could dispense abortion medication were lifted. This comes into effect on August 1, 2023. What does this mean? And also - what are abortion pills anyway? Kels and Cass get together for a chat about the above topics, as well as review some common myths and misconceptions around early medication abortion. DISCLAIMER: This conversation should not be considered medical advice or information. It...

Jul 14, 202342 min

31 | Madison Griffiths | Experience Writing and Publishing 'Tissue', the Conversation Around Abortion, Story Sharing

In episode 31, Cassidy sits down with Madison Griffiths, author of the newly released 'Tissue'. Madison Griffiths is a writer, artist and producer based in Melbourne. She is the co-producer of Tender , an award-winning Broadwave podcast that follows what happens in the aftermath of abusive relationships. Her essays have been published widely in The Guardian, SBS, VICE, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings and more. In 2022, she won the Our Watch Award as administered by the Walkley Foundation for Excelle...

Jul 05, 202339 min

30 | Lisa's Story | Procedural Abortion, Post Abortion Processing, Offering Medical Abortion in General Practice (NSW)

In episode 30, Cassidy sits down with Lisa who shares her experience of abortion and working as a GP offering medical abortion in Wollongong, NSW. There's excellent information in this episode and we're incredibly grateful that Lisa reached out to be on the podcast. Support the podcast⁠: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions ⁠ State by state abortion support organisations: QLD - Children by Choice NSW - Family Planning NSW NT - Family Planning NT VIC - 1800 My Options SA - SHINE SA and Pr...

Jun 30, 202344 min

29 | Kristen's Story | Herbal Abortion, Multiple Abortions, Post-Abortion Counselling Work (NSW)

In this episode, Kelsey is witness to Kristen's 3rd abortion story. Kristen was based in NSW at the time, and had a herbal abortion under the care of a midwife. She also is a very wonderfully spoken person, and works as a post-abortion psychotherapist. Very fitting! She shares lots of nuggets of wisdom about how she personally has intergrated her experiences, and tips for you to do so as well. Thanks again to Kristen for sharing your story. She can be found via Instagram @kristenportney_therapy ...

Jun 18, 202348 min

28 | Hannah's Story | Surgical Abortion, Coercive Control and Abuse*, Supportive Workplace and the Complexity of Choice (VIC)

* This story does discuss themes of coercive control and abuse. If you or anyone you know are in need of help you can contact White Ribbon Australia on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you can also contact 13 YARN on 13 92 76. In episode 29, Cassidy sits down with Hannah who shares her experience of abortion five years ago. Hannah speaks about the psychological impact of her abortion and her experience of abortion not being a choice. It is a p...

Jun 02, 202358 min

27 | Rosie's Story | 2 Procedural Abortions, Assault*, Motherhood, Mental Health, Birth, Resilience

*Trigger warning - this story includes assault, so please use your discretion in listening. In episode 28/29, Rosie shares with Kelsey her 2 abortion stories. Rosie shares so beautifully about her journey, and has done a lot of personal reflection and therapy which really comes through. She also speaks to her experience of abortion as a mother, and shares briefly about the births of her children. Many, many thanks to Rosie for sharing your story with us. Support the podcast: ⁠https://www.buymeac...

May 11, 20231 hr 5 min

26 | Kaitlyn's Story | Medication Abortion, Motherhood, Twin Pregnancy, D&C, Grief, Doula Work (VIC)

In episode 26, Kaitlyn sits down with Kelsey to share her story of medication abortion. There are lots of elements to her story, and she ended up having a D&C several weeks post her medication abortion for retained products. Thank you so much to Kaitlyn for sharing your story with us. ⁠Support the podcast⁠: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions ⁠⁠Lifeline⁠⁠ is always available if you find yourself in crisis - 13 11 14. State by state abortion support organisations: QLD - Children by C...

Apr 27, 20231 hr 11 min

25 | Dr Karen Freilich - General Practice and Abortion, Abortion Statistics and Access

In this weeks episode, Karen sits down to chat with Cassidy about being a medical abortion provider in Victoria. Cass and Karen chat abortion statistics, access, abortion with a health provider lense. They also talk about how far we've got to go but how far we've come. This is an excellent episode for keeping up to date with your knowledge of abortion and to share with those in need of information about abortion access. Thank you Karen for sharing your knowledge and being so wonderful to chat to...

Apr 13, 202341 min

24 | Tara's Story - Medication Abortion, Abortion as Birth, Saying Yes to Life, Post Abortion Bleeding, D&C, Transpersonal Integration (NSW)

In this weeks episode, Tara speaks with Kelsey about her medical abortion in NSW. It’s a long episode, but a good one, and Tara speaks at length about her integration process. Deep thanks to Tara for sharing your story! Support the podcast : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions Find Tara on Instagram @_we_are_wilder_ Rosie Rees splash blanket mentioned - https://rosierees.com/collections/blankets ⁠ Lifeline ⁠ is always available if you find yourself in crisis - 13 11 14. State by state a...

Apr 05, 20231 hr 24 minSeason 2Ep. 11

23 | Astrid's Story | Medical Abortion, Regional Access, Processing, Abortion Access as a Medical Professional (QLD)

Astrid shares her medical abortion with us today, and covers how she navigated her abortion and reflections four years on. A very big thank you to Astrid for sharing your story with us! To support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions. Leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, share this episode with someone you think could benefit from hearing it, and stay tuned for another episode coming NEXT WEEK! If you'd like to share your story with us, submit an expression of interest he...

Mar 23, 202348 minSeason 2Ep. 10

22 | Sarah Ratcliffe on Abortion Stigma Research, Bodily Autonomy, Compassion, and PhD Life

Join Sarah Ratcliffe, (almost) PhD and Kelsey, as we chat about her recently completed PhD in Abortion Stigma at The University of Sydney. We had a lot of fun, and Sarah is a WEALTH of knowledge about the topic of abortion stigma - something that both individuals and organisations can all benefit from learning more about. Thanks Sarah for chatting with me! You can find Sarah via Google or via Instagram - @abortionstigmaresearch Trigger warnings - we do briefly touch upon topics related to bodily...

Mar 18, 20231 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 9

21 | Kristen's Story | Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR), Down Syndrome (T21), Procedural Abortion, Religious Hospital, Pregnancy after Loss

Kelsey chats to Kristen, who shares her story of terminating a pregnancy for medical reasons. First trimester prenatal testing (NIPT, Amniocentesis) revealed a diagnosis of Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), and she underwent a procedural/surgical abortion at the beginning of the second trimester. Termination of a wanted pregnancy involves a whole host of complicated emotions. She shares what it was like for her and her husband, including receiving care from private-religiously affiliated hospitals, an...

Mar 02, 20231 hr 7 minSeason 2Ep. 8

20 | Scout's Story | 3 Abortions, Incomplete Medical Abortion, Experience Contrast (VIC)

Scout shares her 3 abortions with us today, and covers how she navigated her incomplete medical abortion as well as the difference between her three abortion experiences. Thank you to Scout for sharing your story with us! Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions Join the abortion women's circle on March 5 in Adelaide - https://events.humanitix.com/abortion-story-circle Leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, share this episode with someone you think could benefit from he...

Feb 25, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 7

19 | What Helped Us During Our Medication Abortions: Kels and Cass Chat #1

What do you want to hear on the podcast this year? Send us an email or DM on Instagram letting us know. March 5th - In person Abortion Story Circle (SA): https://events.humanitix.com/abortion-story-circle Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions Gemma's podcast: Postpartum Like a Boss, and Instagram: @together.perinatal Share your story on the podcast: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XCHLTY2Y The Abortion Project: on Instagram the.abortionproject Leave us a review on iTun...

Feb 16, 202354 minSeason 2Ep. 6

18 | Ashlea's Story | 3 Abortions, Procedural Abortions, Emotional Processing, Adenomyosis (QLD)

Ashley shares her 3 abortions with us today, and covers some of the health challenges and frustrations she has encountered with the medical system along the way. Thank you to Ashley for sharing your story with us! Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aussieabortions Join the abortion women's circle on March 5 in Adelaide - https://events.humanitix.com/abortion-story-circle Leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, share this episode with someone you think could benefit from hearing it...

Feb 09, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 2Ep. 5

17 | Bec's Story | Procedural Abortion, Abortion and Parenting, Emotional Processing, Post Abortion Support (WA)

In this week's episode, Cassidy (Episode 4) jumps on to interview Bec about her procedural abortion. To support the podcast, leave a review (seriously, do), share the episode on your socials or with someone who may benefit from hearing Bec's story, or click the Buy Me a Coffee link to help us fund Zoom's empire. If you'd like to share your story on the podcast, you can submit an expression of interest here or via the link on the instagram @australianabortionstories. If you'd like to contact us f...

Feb 03, 20231 hr 14 minSeason 2Ep. 4

16 | Fertility Charting with Jessie Brebner - Preventing Pregnancy, Contraceptive Effectiveness and Post Abortion Shame

Jessie Brebner from Fertility Charting joins me on the podcast today to speak about her work in contraception and body literacy as an educator and teacher of the Symptothermal method of Fertility Awareness. We speak about contraceptive effectiveness, research, post abortion shame, and where you can access further information if you are interested in learning the method. Jessie's beautiful website is CHOCK FULL of amazing free resources and well worth a look at https://fertilitycharting.com.au . ...

Dec 07, 202254 minSeason 2Ep. 3

15 | Felicity’s Story | Medical Abortion, Emotional Processing, Impact of Support (VIC)

In this week's episode, Cassidy (Episode 4) jumps on to interview Felicity about her medical abortion. To support the podcast, leave a review (seriously, do), share the episode on your socials or with someone who may benefit from hearing Felicity's story, or click the Buy Me a Coffee link to help us fund Zoom's empire. If you'd like to share your story on the podcast, you can submit an expression of interest here or via the link on the instagram @australianabortionstories. If you'd like to conta...

Dec 06, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 2Ep. 2

14 | Corinne's Story - Flood Impact, Procedural Abortion, Emotional Processing (NSW/QLD)

In this week's episode, Cassidy (Episode 4) jumps on to interview Corinne about her procedural abortion. To support the podcast, leave a review (seriously, do), share the episode on your socials or with someone who may benefit from hearing Corinne's story, or click the Buy Me a Coffee link to help us fund Zoom's empire. If you'd like to share your story on the podcast, you can submit an expression of interest here or via the link on the instagram @australianabortionstories. If you'd like to cont...

Nov 10, 202236 min

13 | Rosie's Story | Multiple Abortions, Religion, Regional Living, Healthcare Discrimination (VIC)

We've come out of hibernation to bring you another abortion story! In this week's episode, Cassidy (Episode 4) jumps on to interview Rosie about her 3 abortions. To support the podcast, leave a review (seriously, do), share the episode on your socials or with someone who may benefit from hearing Rosie's story, or click the Buy Me a Coffee link to help us fund Zoom's empire. If you'd like to share your story on the podcast, you can submit an expression of interest here or via the link on the inst...

Oct 21, 202255 minSeason 2Ep. 1

12 | Reflections on Sharing my Abortion Story and Creating a Podcast

Grab a cuppa tea, a vino, or a liquid refreshment of your choice, and listen to me chat about the journey this podcast has taken me on. If you are interested in sharing your abortion story, please send me a message on instagram @australianabortionstories or flick me an email via australianabortionstories@gmail.com. As always - sharing and leaving a review helps the reach of this podcast, so please do. Stay tuned for another episode coming in a fortnight/month/whenever it happens - but it's happe...

Sep 13, 202215 min

11 | Jessie's Story | Multiple Abortions, Grief, Regional Access (VIC)

In this week's episode I speak with Jessie, who shares her abortion stories. Jessie has had two procedural/surgical abortions, and one medication abortion, and is now a proud mother. She discusses the circumstances in her life that led her to choosing abortion, including being a carer for her terminally ill mother, and being involved in a toxic relationship. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode briefly discusses sexual assault. If you, or someone you know has experienced sexual assault and need someone...

May 20, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 11

10 | Hannah's Story | Procedural Abortion, Midwifery, Contraception, Doula Work (VIC)

In today's episode I speak with Hannah, based in Victoria, who shares her abortion story with us. Hannah shares her contraceptive journey, and what it was like falling pregnant so soon after leaving her Midwifery degree, as well as what it was like having an abortion under anaesthetic. The study being run by Monash on barriers and facilitators to abortion access in Australia during the pandemic years can be found via the following link, as well as contact information: https://www.monash.edu/medi...

Mar 28, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 10

09 | Abortion, Midwifery, and Woman-Centred Care | A Conversation with Katherine Eden

A student midwife walked into an abortion clinic, and out walked Katherine Eden. Katherine shares with us her placement story, the impact that working in an abortion clinic had on her, and ultimately what she took away from her experience. This episode is a little different to previous episodes, but I hope you get something from it. If you do, please share the podcast on your socials, or give the podcast a rating in your podcast app. You can contact me via Instagram @australianabortionstories or...

Mar 12, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 9

08 | Lori's Story | Motherhood, Two Abortions, Surgical Abortion, Contraception (SA)

In this weeks episode we speak to Lori, who shares her two abortions, which she had several years after the birth of her youngest child. She provided a lot of insight, and we covered a lot of ground, so cosy up, grab a cup of tea and have a listen. If you are considering an abortion, and would like to speak to someone regarding your options, your state department of health will be able to provide you with further information, otherwise you can contact Marie Stopes on 1300 863 549. Lifeline's Cri...

Feb 24, 20221 hr 20 minSeason 1Ep. 8

07 | Courtney's Story | Two Abortions, Integration, Surgical Abortion (NSW/QLD)

In this weeks episode, Courtney shares the stories of her two surgical abortions, and what her decision making process, and post abortion integration was like. Courtney shares beautifully (and as a bonus has a beautiful voice) and I encourage you to have a listen! If you enjoy this episode, you can help it reach the people it needs to by sharing with a friend, or on your socials. You can reach me via Instagram @australianabortionstories

Feb 18, 202254 minSeason 1Ep. 7

06 | Cassidy's Story | Calling in Support, Early Medication Abortion, Doula Work (NSW)

Cassidy tells us her story of her early medication abortion in 2021. Coming from a doula work background, Cassidy was able to identify her support needs and rally a team around her to support her throughout her pregnancy and abortion. It was a joy to speak with Cassidy, and I hope you are able to get something out of her story. The books mentioned in the podcast are Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, and The Healing Choice: Your Guide to Emotional Recovery After an ABortion by Can...

Feb 04, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 6
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