Don't pretend it's going to be OK to give in to an unwanted abortion to get someone else to leave you alone. (Read abortion stories from women who have had forced abortions, and those from women who were coerced by their partner or parents.)
Our recommendation to any woman who is being harassed — or physically harmed — to cause her to have an unwanted abortion is to seek legal advice, or get help from the Police.
Some women have been seriously injured or killed for refusing to have abortions, and any woman who fears for her personal safety needs to take immediate action to protect herself.
Harassment, violence, threats of violence, threatening to kill, and kidnapping — some of the ways people might try to cause a woman to have an abortion — are usually considered offenses in countries where abortion is readily accessible.
In countries where abortion is illegal, any attempt to cause a woman to have an unwanted abortion is also illegal.
Women can seek legal protection from harassment, violence, and/or threats of harm by calling the Police, or seeking legal advice.
Women's refuges (women's shelters) can ‘hide’ women who fear for their safety, and protection orders can be served against anyone who harasses or threatens pregnant women.
If someone is threatening to commit suicide to cause a woman to have an unwanted abortion, call the Police, or a psychiatric facility, for advice.
If you are taken to an abortion clinic by force, tell the staff that you are there against your will, and ask them to call the Police. (High levels of security at abortion clinics should ensure your personal safety.) Do not sign any forms at the clinic, instead write something like “Help me” or “Call Police” on the form instead of your signature.
