Welcome back!

"Abortion Stigma is like the weather: everyone gets wet." --Kate Cockrill

As previously posted, we have taken some time to re-vision the Abortion Conversation Project. We are excited to begin sharing our plans for conversations–in this space and in person. For now, here is our revised Mission/Vision statement:

A Focus on Healing the Destructive Impact of the Abortion Conflict

 Problem: America’s entrenched and volatile polarization on abortion is a destructive force that harms virtually every individual and institution that it touches. Too few of us have the language, skills, or context to discuss the complexity, uncertainty, or intensity they feel about abortion without accusation, judgment, politics, or stigma.

Mission: The Abortion Conversation Project works to undo these destructive impacts, heal those harmed by stigma, and promote reconciliation by creating forums, trainings, and models of open communication on abortion that support people to speak and listen with empathy, dignity, and resilience about even the most difficult aspects of the issue.

Vision: The Abortion Conversation Project is working toward a world in which all people can interact constructively with one another about abortion-related values and experiences with depth, respect, and honesty. Working in communities and nationally, we help the general public develop and practice skills for meaningful, direct interactions about abortion that avoid stigmatization and the dehumanizing effects of all-or-nothing, either/or thinking. Though there may never be consensus on the moral value of abortion or the public policies connected to it, we work toward building a world in which abortion can be addressed directly in our homes, schools, workplaces, and public sphere in a way that honors its profound social, moral, and political complexity and alleviates stigma.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more updates on our plans!

History: Our Vision and Programs

Dear Reader and Conversation Partner,

Lin Pernille Photography

As we re-envision our programs, we would like to provide you with a bit of history about our organization.

ACP began in 2003 with the following vision:

We recognize the transformative power of pregnancy and all its possibilities. We envision a world in which abortion is affirmed as a moral decision without stigma. We believe that open and honest conversations, in a safe environment, about the experience of abortion will begin to create this world.

The Abortion Conversation Project is committed to eliminating the stigma of abortion by creating new ways and opportunities to talk about abortion honestly and publicly. The real life experiences of providers and women themselves will enable people to understand and appreciate the complex moral decision making surrounding a pregnancy decision.

We pledge open conversations that do not demonize those with differing views, or convince anyone that we are “right”. We realize that decisions about pregnancy bring up issues of life, death, sex, parenthood, and so much more. We want to create safe spaces for women and men to consider what is best for their lives.

Welcome to the Abortion Conversation Project

by Alibree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Reader and Conversation Partner,

The need for a change in the culture around the issue of abortion is clear. Conflict around abortion has occupied the American political system since before Roe (1973) and unlike other social issues, the court case deciding abortion rights for women, did not de-escalate social conflict.  Instead the political advocacy has become more entrenched, sophisticated and professionalized and the battle is being fought in nearly every state and at the federal level. In this system, the debate over abortion has trumped abortion experience. Women who have abortions, providers of abortion and others who have experience with the issue are often silenced by political advocacy that can only tolerate certain stories or points of view.