The Brief: After Alabama lawmakers voted to ban abortion, Busy Philipps started the hashtag #YouKnowMe to give a face to the 1 in 4 women who have had an abortion.

DEEP DIVE
On Tuesday, the Alabama government voted to pass a law banning abortion in almost all cases, including pregnancies that are a result of rape or incest. In response, actress and talk show host, Busy Philipps started the #youknowme social media conversation to raise awareness about the experiences of people who have had abortions.
She tweeted “1 in 4 women have had an abortion. Many people think they don’t know someone who has, but #youknowme. So let’s do this: if you are also the 1 in 4, let’s share it and start to end the shame. Use #youknowme and share your truth.”
1 in 4 women have had an abortion. Many people think they don't know someone who has, but #youknowme. So let's do this: if you are also the 1 in 4, let's share it and start to end the shame. Use #youknowme and share your truth.
— Busy Philipps (@BusyPhilipps) May 15, 2019
On Wednesday, the Alabama governor signed the bill into law, prompting abortion rights advocates to respond in a range of ways, including with the #youknowme and #youknowus hashtags. The “you know us” hashtag is generally used in the same context as #youknowus but implies a more collective view on how access to abortion affects many people.
Many women and people with uteruses have since used the hashtag to share their abortion stories. Some tweets explain why they chose abortion or how it benefited them, while others merely state the fact that they had one. People who have not had abortions but know someone who has and/or support people’s right to access them have also been using the #youknowme and #youknowus tags to speak up about reproductive rights.
Like the #metoo movement and hashtag, this campaign demonstrates the breadth of experiences of those who have had abortions, conveying just how important access to legal and safe abortion is.
I had an abortion when I was 18 years old. I’m not sure if I’ve ever talked about it on here but I’m not ashamed so I’m sharing today because if #youknowme then you know someone who has had an abortion.
— Zerlina Maxwell (@ZerlinaMaxwell) May 16, 2019
I had an abortion 24 years ago#YouKnowMe
— FJ the Hygenic, Washer of Legs & Feet (@FeministaJones) May 16, 2019
In 2012, I had an abortion. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I still think about it to this day. But these truths do not make me regret my decision. It was the right choice for me, at that time in my life. I have not a single doubt about this. #YouKnowMe
— Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) May 16, 2019
I am here and able to mother my incredible daughter because of the health- and life-saving abortion I had when she was three years old. #YouKnowMe
— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) May 15, 2019
If you think you don't know anyone who has had an abortion, that's because no one you know has felt safe enough with you to share their truth with you. #YouKnowMe
— Jess Phoenix 🌋🏳️🌈🤠 (@jessphoenix2018) May 15, 2019
When it comes to abortion rights, it is important to include trans men and non-binary folks – anyone who can get pregnant – in conversations.
#youknowme too
— Thomas Page McBee (@ThomasPageMcBee) May 16, 2019
I've had two abortions because I didn't want either pregnancy.
There might be a terrible story behind that, or maybe not.
That doesn't matter and isn't your biz.What matters is that I had a right to choose and to terminate both pregnancies.
And I'm glad I did.
— Emma Evans (@TrancewithMe) May 16, 2019
Please read the stories in this hashtag. Folks who need access to abortion care in a free society should NOT need to tell their stories, but these brave folks are telling them anyway to warn us all. Listen to them. Learn from them. Let's reject this path.#YouKnowMe
— Charlotte Clymer🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) May 15, 2019
Many people have noted that while sharing abortion stories is important, it should not be a requirement to be given access to agency over one’s body.
For me, sharing my story has been powerful. I meet people all the time who tell me it inspired them to talk about their abortions. But the fact is, we shouldn't have to share our most personal experiences simply to try to generate a measure of empathy from politicians. #YouKnowMe
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) May 16, 2019
I feel proud and honored to hear people sharing their #YouKnowMe abortion stories, but let’s be clear, you don’t need to have a “reason” to have an abortion. You shouldn’t have to prove to anyone why you want control over your own body and your own life.
— Hannah Solow (@hamstertalk) May 15, 2019
Regarding #youknowme. Brava to all the folks out there disclosing. But for those who haven’t or can’t: you don’t gotta tell anyone jack shit. Not even for feminism.
— elaine corden (@elainecorden) May 16, 2019
The #youknowme hashtag contains a lot of deeply powerful testimonials but it just kills me that every time something awful is happening, women have to air out their traumas to make you see us as people.
— Ashley🦋 (@ashleyfahs) May 16, 2019
Please read the stories in this hashtag. Folks who need access to abortion care in a free society should NOT need to tell their stories, but these brave folks are telling them anyway to warn us all. Listen to them. Learn from them. Let's reject this path.#YouKnowMe
— Charlotte Clymer🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) May 15, 2019
Shout Your Abortion is a similar movement that provides a space for people who have had abortions to speak up about their experiences, raising awareness about just how important abortion access is.
Lots of abortion stories shaking loose today! If you've got more than 280 characters to say about it, SYA's site allows you to share your story via text or vid. We've also got free poster & button templates! Tons of ways to #ShoutYourAbortion ❤️#YouKnowMe https://t.co/o80hkidYaG
— Amelia Bonow (@ameliabonow) May 15, 2019