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Actor Laura Prepon has shared the heartbreaking story of the abortion she had to have a few years ago in a post that all too perfectly underlines the cruelty and danger of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last week.
Prepon shared the "devastating truth" of her experience with having to terminate a wanted pregnancy for medical reasons that threatened both her and her baby's life—a choice she pointed out she would no longer have in most of the country as of last Friday.
Prepon told the story in a powerful post on Instagram, seen below.
Prepon wrote:
"One of the worst days of my life was when I made the choice to terminate a pregnancy in the second trimester."
"The devastating truth is that we found out the fetus would not survive to full term, and that my life was at risk as well."
"At the time - I had the choice."
It's a factor in the abortion debate that conservatives nearly always choose to ignore. Abortion is a life-saving procedure and one necessary to avoid the outcome of many pregnancy complications, like death.
Extremely common conditions like ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, to name just two, can be lethal without abortion procedures.
Aside from their potentially fatal outcomes for both fetuses and the people carrying them, fetal abnormalities like those Prepon experienced often result in excruciating suffering for fetuses that are brought to term and born only to die.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade leaves the decision over the legality of the abortion procedures necessary in the event of these conditions to individual states, many of which have decided not to provide legal exceptions to abortion bans for such situations.
Prepon went on to express solidarity with people who have faced heartbreaking and dangerous situations like hers.
"Everyone has their own story for seeking out this medical procedure and I empathize with anyone who’s been faced with this impossible decision."
"I am praying for all of us, that we can get through this challenging time and regain agency over our own bodies."
On Instagram, people were deeply moved by Prepon's story, including many of her Orange Is the New Black costars.
@nlyonne/Instagram
@uzoaduba/Instagram
@yaelstone/Instagram
@realleadelaria/Instagram
@amberrosetamblyn/Instagram
And many who have faced similar situations to Prepons appreciated her voice of solidarity.
@all.things.ashli/Instagram
@blackeyedkatie13/Instagram
@jill_mccaughey/Instagram
@mycroft7/Instagram
@thereallfc/Instagram
Let Prepon's story be a reminder that abortion is healthcare.