A woman from Missouri testified before a congressional committee about the challenges she faced during her self-managed abortion in a state where most abortions are banned. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Missouri implemented a “trigger” law that became one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, allowing abortions only in cases of medical emergencies. This decision also led to a significant increase in the sale of abortion pills, which are the most common form of abortion in the US.
Rev. Dr. Love Holt, a community engagement manager at Abortion Action Missouri, shared her experience with the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. She described being rushed to the emergency room due to severe blood loss and worrying about being arrested instead of focusing on her survival. Holt explained that she took the abortion pill orally to make it appear as a miscarriage and avoid legal repercussions. She emphasized that her story is not unique and that many people struggle to terminate pregnancies in states with restrictive abortion laws.
Representative Cori Bush, who is a member of the oversight committee, stressed the importance of hearing stories like Holt’s in Congress. She highlighted the reality faced by individuals trying to access abortion care in states with limited or no access. Holt’s testimony inspired other representatives, including Jasmine Crockett and Jamie Raskin, to invite her to the meeting.
Holt’s experience with self-managed abortion was challenging. Due to Missouri’s trigger law, she had to resort to this method even though it was past the recommended time frame for taking the abortion pill. Her first pill order was stolen, and she had to wait 18 days to receive a replacement. After taking the pill, she experienced heavy bleeding, cramping, and blood clots, which made her lightheaded. Although medication abortion is generally safe, there are rare instances where complications can be life-threatening. Holt decided to seclude herself in her car to prevent her children from seeing her bleeding. Eventually, she ended up in a Catholic-run hospital, where she underwent a surgical procedure followed by a disturbing “funeral service” for the passed tissue.
Holt’s intention in sharing her story was to shed light on the struggles faced by many Missourians who lack access to safe abortions. She emphasized the impact of forcing individuals to carry unwanted pregnancies, leading to poverty and increased vulnerability. Holt believes that if nationwide abortion bans, like the one resulting from the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, are implemented, the consequences will be dire, resulting in more deaths and suffering due to limited access to safe medical abortions.
She hopes that her testimony will help raise awareness and encourage lawmakers to consider the experiences and challenges faced by marginalized communities. Holt also mentioned the availability of resources, such as Pills by Post and Plan C, which help individuals access abortion medication. Despite the lack of concern from lawmakers, Holt remains committed to sharing her story until the end.