On June 21 in Lviv, we held our training-discussion “How to Create Access to Safe Abortions?”, organized by the Pro-Abort initiative. In a small but powerful circle of activists and allies, we spoke about what is often left unsaid — the right to abortion as an inseparable part of reproductive justice.

We:

  • debunked myths about abortion and learned about different types of procedures;
  • discussed ethical and legal aspects — including why stigma still hinders access to services;
  • explored the specifics of medical abortion: when, how, and for whom it is safe;
  • talked about the kinds of support — emotional, informational, legal — available for people experiencing unwanted pregnancies. 

Here are some reflections from participants:

“At the training, I understood the difference between contraceptives and abortifacients, learned about abortion laws in different countries, and how exactly the Pro-Abort initiative helps women.
I’m glad I got this information in a calm, research-minded state (and not while facing an unwanted pregnancy, confused, finding tons of nonsense on Google and getting more anxious), and now I can read more and process it myself.”
 — Katia Dovbnia, FW activist

“When I first heard about medical abortion, I was very skeptical. In a country where abortion is legal, it sounded like an unnecessary risk. I even doubted we needed this training and didn’t want to attend.
But after the training, my worldview flipped! I saw how bad the situation really is in Ukraine regarding abortion access, how taboo the topic remains — to the point that even feminist activists and educators know very little about it or avoid it or judge without understanding (I was one of them).
Now I see that my first reaction was shaped by taboos and stereotypes and had nothing to do with reality. I want to know more and talk more about abortion in Ukraine — and I want other activists to join in, because it’s so important!”
 — Olya Yashchenko, head of FW

“The training unexpectedly filled a gap in my own knowledge. I came in curious, but cautious. During the session, I realized how taboo, stigmatized, and inaccessible abortion remains in Ukraine (and globally). I understood that I wouldn’t have known what to do if it happened to me or someone close to me.
Abortion is a truly complex and sensitive topic, but silence or saying ‘abortion is legal here anyway’ is clearly not enough.”
 — Liubov K.

“I was deeply struck by the information about medical abortion — how safe and effective it is, and how it can give women control over their bodies at a critical moment. At the same time, we discussed how the stigma around abortion makes women stay silent, feel guilt instead of receiving support. That’s why it was so valuable for me to be in a truly safe space — surrounded by fellow women who listened with respect, shared their stories, and created an atmosphere of empathy and acceptance.”
 — Olha Shton, WenDo feminist self-defense trainer

“What should we be fighting for? — this was one of the main takeaways echoing in my mind the whole time: we must fight for abortion pills to be available in pharmacies in every Ukrainian city, not just in a few pharmacies in Kyiv.
I already had concerns about misinformation in hospitals about medical abortion, and they were confirmed. It’s horrifying that doctors may not even mention the medical option, even though it’s much safer than a surgical procedure.”
 — Dara Kohutiak, activist, intersectional feminist

“It was eye-opening to learn that the vast majority of abortions in Ukraine are surgical — even though they’re more invasive and carry more risks. I was also shocked by stories of gynecological violence against girls seeking abortion.”
 — Maryana Zelinska

“Thanks to the training, I learned clearly and without fear-mongering how medical abortion works and what risks it involves (much lower than I thought). I became convinced that legalizing abortion does not automatically mean access to safe abortion.
I’m so glad I could be in this space, sharing discussion comfortably with other activists — the work of Pro-Abort is more vital than ever, especially in this post-truth era, where information is twisted to suit the storyteller, feeding stereotypes and fears.
And the trainers gave clear, detailed answers to our questions, naming specific drugs, dates, and people — which makes it easier to continue learning on our own.”
 — Nastia Zhabka, FW activist

We believe: everyone has the right to choice, support, and complete, accurate information.