Paper Short Abstract:

This circle, Interrupting the Stigma, held with Teresa Melo, highlights how stigma’s strength varies across countries, regardless of legal frameworks. It emphasises the importance of sharing first-hand and second-hand lived experiences, offering a space for transcultural storytelling while exploring broader societal and cultural questions linked to the conference theme.

Paper Abstract:

In various European countries, reproductive rights, particularly access to abortion, are increasingly restricted and often relegated to the private sphere. While abortion is a subject of opinions exchanges, there is not much space for a conversation what does an abortion stigma impose on us as members of society. We propose an abortion circle of personal narratives as a transdisciplinary format of exchange between art, academia and activism.

A circle is a conversation format where all voices are equal and heard. It provides a safe space for personal, relational, or social abortion and abortion stigma experiences to emerge, fostering tender listening without judgement. Through this format, we aim to encourage the academic community to reflect collectively on their positionalities, cultural contexts, and the intersections of politics and cultural practices.

The theme of this circle highlights how stigma’s strength can differ across countries regardless of their legal frameworks. Sharing both first-hand and second-hand lived experiences across diverse groups is essential, and this conference offers an ideal platform for a transcultural exchange of stories from conscious individuals. This circle also invites participants to explore the gendered dimensions of abortion experiences while collectively navigating the broader societal and cultural questions.

We would like to invite members of activist groups like Ciocia Basia, Ciocia Czesia or Ciocia Wienia, who provide a network of transnational abortion support for women based in Poland. They can share valuable insights on how abortion stigma is carried by women who travel across borders and cultures in seek of pregnancy termination.