Abortion stories from Thailand

We're delighted to share six stories from staff and volunteers at SAAF grantee partner organisation Tamtang Group. Tamtang has been a key voice in the legalisation of abortion in Thailand, and continues to fight for free access for all. Visit our website to read their stories in English ([link removed]) , French ([link removed]) , and Spanish ([link removed]) .

Read about abortion rights activism in Thailand ([link removed])

"Abortion is a matter of democracy over one's own body..."
Tamtang Coordinator Chompoo

"In 2010 there was a big news story in Thailand when over 2000 fetuses were found in a temple in Bangkok. The headlines were quoting opinions about abortion from the police, monks, doctors, politicians – basically everybody but the women who were actually having abortions. Everyone was pointing the finger, talking about karma, and trying to shame those of us who have had abortions.

I was tired of seeing all the judgement and misinformation so I started a blog. I shared my own experience with abortion. After some time, some other women started to write about their abortion stories too. Then one day, a woman wrote to me saying she needed to have an abortion and wanted to know where to go.

So I started giving practical information on the blog to help people connect to services. I started giving out my phone number and that’s how the phone counselling for abortion first started."

Read Chompoo's story ([link removed])

" I talk to everyone about the need for safe abortion access..."

Tamtang Hotline Counsellor Nisa

"It’s very important to let people know that people who have abortions are real – it’s me, I’m here. It was important that we were at the centre of this campaign to change the law, as people who’ve actually had abortions. They always invite politicians and doctors, but where are the women and people who have and need abortions and their voices? The media need to see us more. Abortion is our issue.

I was happy when the law changed, but it wasn’t enough. I wish we didn’t have a law at all and could just let the patient decide what they need. Abortion should be a simple treatment – we don’t have a ‘cancer law’, why do we need an ‘abortion law’. It should be normal like other healthcare issues."

Read Nisa's story ([link removed])

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