In 2019, I had the pleasure of participating in the #AbortTheStigma exhibition, which was the first Malaysian online and on-site/offline art exhibition aimed to address abortion-related stigma in Malaysia through art activism in conjunction with World Safe Abortion Day. My contribution to the exhibition was a piece made up of these two commentary posters, meant to be viewed side-by-side.
The posters are parallel depictions of the modern alphabet used in daily life. For each letter, a word or term associated negatively with abortion is displayed in simple illustrations.
(Close-ups of each letter with brief descriptions are below!)
The first of the two posters is meant to represent the existing negative perception surrounding the topic of abortion. The dark red solid colour background contributes to an oppressing mood, and the light blue and green of the small illustrations are meant to be hard on the eyes. Abortion is not an easy topic to broach, therefore this piece isn't easy to view.
The second of both posters is meant to represent the shift from negative to positive that we should have when considering abortion. The dark red background has changed to an amiable purple. The illustrations are coloured red and orange, meant to symbolise a sense of hope and optimism. The contrasting colours are not entirely easier to view, but they are more welcoming. Such is the topic of abortion; though it isn't any lighter a topic, we must make it an easier subject of conversation.
Close-ups of the illustrations portraying negative perceptions:
"A is for Abortion"
The words 'hush hush!' represent the silencing of discussion surrounding abortion.
"B is for Birth Control"
(illustration portrays different methods of birth control)
It is widely known that abortion rates decline when birth control is made accessible. However, in many places, birth control is seen as a factor contributing to increased promiscuity, even if it has been debunked and is not actually the case.
"C is for Consequence"
(illustration portrays the scales of justice tipping to one side)
Abortion is often portrayed as a license for youths to engage in unhealthy premarital sexual relationships.
"D is for Discrimination"
(illustration portrays "stop" and "no entry" signage)
Abortion is often discriminated against, with negative biases and mental blocks being formed before the topic is even brought up.
"E is for Emergency"
(illustration portrays alarm lights, a first-aid symbol, and a phone calling for "SOS")
An abortion is an emergency. We should be treating people in need of abortions as an emergency, not someone to blame.
"F is for Fetus"
(illustration portrays a late-stage fetus)
In many depictions of abortion in the media, pregnancy in the third trimester is portrayed during which an almost fully-formed fetus is expelled. This understandably incites strong emotions, usually negative, toward those seeking abortions.
"G is for Genocide"
(illustration portrays a multitude of cemetery headstones)
Restrictive abortion bills are passed with claims that to openly allow abortions would be to advocate for infanticide. This is an extremely polarising belief that only serves to further the agenda of abortion being thought of as a selfish act.
"H is for Hanger"
(illustration portrays coat hangers)
The familiar symbol of illegal abortion is the infamous hanger. It is one of many objects that people would, in desperation, utilise to carry out a self-induced abortion - one that often failed as the object would puncture through the uterus and cause injury if not death.
"I is for Infection"
(illustration portrays an inflamed female biological reproductive system)
The main antagonist in an abortion is septic shock stemming from infection, which can come about from improper self-induced abortions, unhygienic and unsafe conditions during the abortion, or inadequate aftercare.
"J is for Juvenile"
(illustration portrays crossroads signage pointing to "maturity" and "immaturity" in opposing directions)
Abortion is often seen and portrayed as a procedure undergone by those immaturely participating in unsafe sex when in reality it is something that people from all backgrounds and ages undergo.
"K is for Killer"
(illustration portrays a hand holding a knife with blood splatter)
The term "baby killer" is hung above the heads of people who have abortions when this is simply an unfair label. In most cases, abortions take place during the first trimester, before the fetus is even fully-formed and therefore can't be called a "baby".
"L is for Legality"
(illustration portrays scrolls and a gavel and block)
Though abortion in Malaysia is commonly thought of as illegal, the procedure is restricted but allowed under certain circumstances.
"M is for Maternal Death"
(illustration portrays the waves of an electrocardiogram slowing to a flatline)
Every minute somewhere in the world, a woman dies from complications in pregnancy and childbirth - and most of these deaths are avoidable.
"N is for Neglect"
(illustration portrays hands reaching above water holding a flag for help)
When women are denied the option to abort a pregnancy, their children stand to fare worse than their other peers.
"O is for Outrage"
(illustration portrays a mob of people holding placards)
On social media, there seems to be a barrage of hateful comments demonising people who choose to terminate their pregnancy.
"P is for Pill"
(illustration portrays strips of pill)
Mifepristone is not legally available in Malaysia. Because of this, some may seek information on abortion pills from online providers and the black market, often having to pay exorbitant costs.
"Q is for Quit"
(illustration portrays a "power off" symbol and the figure on most "exit" signs)
Even though the process of terminating a pregnancy can sometimes be traumatic to undergo, it is unfairly viewed as "the easy way out."
"R is for Religion"
(illustration portrays symbols associated with multiple religions)
Many opinions on abortion stem from the person's understanding of their own religion.
"S is for Self-Induced"
(illustration portrays alcohol and leaves symbolising drugs)
Self-induced abortions through ingesting toxic substances or causing physical trauma to the body are more likely to end in grievous bodily harm or even death than to successfully carry out the termination of a pregnancy.
"T is for Trauma"
(illustration portrays a bandaged brain)
The mental consequences of abortion vary from person to person; some suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, while others do not experience psychiatric trauma at all.
"U is for Unsafe"
(illustration portrays the typical "danger" sign as well as a skull and crossbones)
25% of all pregnancies result in induced abortions, and around 25 million unsafe abortions are estimated to take place worldwide each year, almost all in developing countries.
"V is for Violation"
(illustration portrays a hand holding a card that says "no" with a whistle attached)
Abortion is a human right, and preventable maternal deaths are a violation of the right to life.
"W is for Worry"
(illustration portrays handcuffs and a ball-and-chain)
Anxiety or worry hangs over many about their safety and chances of recovery should the need for an abortion arise.
"X is for eXtraction"
(illustration portrays medical surgical tools)
Terminations of pregnancy in the late gestation stage occurs when lethal fetal abnormalities are detected, and the risk of death following a procedure is lower than the risk of death in childbirth. Nevertheless, it is still a highly-politicised and controversial topic.
"Y is for Yelling"
(illustration portrays megaphones blaring loudly)
Many wrathful commentators spewing hate toward pro-choice supporters often fail to express the same amount of anger toward the source of abuse or rape that led to the unwanted pregnancy itself.
"Z is for Zealots"
(illustration portrays a torch and pitchfork)
Though there is a wide range of thoughts, reactions, and opinions surrounding the topic of abortion, elected leaders and those in positions of power should not abuse their positions and intimidate those who disagree with their beliefs.
Close-ups of the illustrations portraying positive perceptions:
"A is for Advocacy"
The words 'never again!' represent breaking the oppression surrounding abortion.
"B is for Battle"
(illustration portrays a sword and shield)
The process of undergoing an abortion can be a battle for some, and supporting them as a society increases their chances of winning.
"C is for Clinic"
(illustration portrays the front desk of a clinic)
The availability of legal, safe, and hygienic clinics for people to reach out to is crucial in maintaining low rates of abortion-related deaths.
"D is for Devotion"
(illustration portrays two hands making a praying gesture)
The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a sensitive, personal choice. Just as mothers who see their pregnancy through love and care for their child, many times the decision to terminate a pregnancy lies in the long-term wellbeing of the possible future child.
"E is for Empathise"
(illustration portrays the implication of two people relating to one another)
We need to be empathetic and respectful when dealing with the subject of abortion.
"F is for Faith"
(illustration portrays a candle)
The choice made by someone to terminate or see a pregnancy through is ultimately between the person considering it and their faith.
"G is for Grateful"
(illustration portrays hands holding and giving hearts)
People who are given support through the process of undergoing abortions are almost always entirely grateful to be receiving help. This is a stark contrast to the promiscuous opportunists the media portrays.
"H is for Help"
(illustration portrays a telephone and letter)
Helplines and resources providing aid to people needing help are crucial.
RRAAM Helpline (Malaysia) is +6018 368 7950
"I is for Important"
(illustration portrays a checklist and stopwatch)
Timing is a crucial factor with anything pregnancy and health-related, and abortions are no exception. Those in need of medical attention have the right to receive care regardless of their decision to continue or terminate the pregnancy.
"J is for Justifiable"
(illustration portrays the word "justified" with lines striking through it)
There are many conditions that justify the termination of a pregnancy besides a pregnancy born of rape or incest. Birth control failing, economic instability, and abusive living conditions are some other reasons behind the decision.
"K is for Knowledge"
(illustration portrays a graduation cap, mechanical cogs, and a DNA structure)
The more we learn and understand about human biology and medicine, the further we can progress in terms of reducing maternal death and septic shock as results of unsafe abortions. The more we know, the less ignorant and afraid we will be.
"L is for Life"
(illustration portrays a tree with roots)
Though many radical pro-life campaigners insist that an abortion is the taking of an innocent life, it can be argued that to allow the high risk of maternal death would be to take the life of the mother.
"M is for Measures"
(illustration portrays a padlock and keys)
When the right measures are taken, drastic consequences rarely follow.
"N is for Necessity"
(illustration portrays the words "not a choice but a need")
Competent and adequate facilitation of women's sexual and reproductive healthcare is not a luxury, and not a choice. It is a necessity.
"O is for Options"
(illustration portrays a spin-the-wheel game)
People having a variety of choices would provide comfort and the ability to select the best option, not simply the only option available.
"P is for Parenthood"
(illustration portrays a positive pregnancy test and a swaddled baby)
A common assumption is that those choosing to terminate a pregnancy do not want to participate in parenthood, but sometimes the choice to abort due to outside circumstances is the kindest choice that could be made for the unborn child.
"Q is for Quiet"
(illustration portrays a "mute" sign and a shushing gesture)
With all the noise and debate surrounding the controversial topic of abortion, sometimes we need to take a moment of silence in remembrance of those who weren't given the choice to terminate their pregnancy and have suffered the following results.
"R is for Reproductive Rights"
(illustration portrays two fists raised in defiance)
As the Internet age progresses, we're seeing more and more advocacy for female reproductive rights. People feel braver and safer to share the experiences they've endured and people in positions of power are starting to take the issues faced by women more seriously.
"S is for Sacrifice"
(illustration portrays a heart and flowers with a dagger pierced through)
Another common misconception aligned with the trope of abortions enabling promiscuous behaviour is that those who undergo the termination of a pregnancy do so in cold blood. In reality, it is just as much of a sacrifice - if not more - made by the person who is most at risk.
"T is for Therapy"
(illustration portrays a therapist's office)
Counselling before and after terminating a pregnancy can help to untangle emotions and dissipate any unneeded guilt. It is a form of emotional support that shouldn't be overlooked in the healing process.
"U is for United"
(illustration portrays a chain of people linked by holding hands)
When people who are going through something difficult come together in a community, it can provide much-needed support.
"V is for Vocal"
(illustration portrays microphones)
As more advocates and survivors speak up, negative stigma can turn into positive affirmations.
"W is for Whole"
(illustration portrays different fractions and a complete circle)
Regardless of whether someone has gone through an induced abortion, miscarriage, or birth abnormality, they are still whole.
"X is for eXponential"
(illustration portrays a symbol of growth and exponential expression)
The more we talk and raise awareness about abortion, the quicker it will gain traction as a topic of discussion.
"Y is for Yesterday"
(illustration portrays an hourglass and calendar)
Abortion throughout history has come a long way; we can leave the trauma of years ago in the past while choosing to be on the humanitarian side of the discussion surrounding the way we view abortion today.
"Z is for Zen"
(illustration portrays a bonsai plant and a teapot pouring tea into cups)
The process of healing and after a termination of pregnancy is different for everyone. Some are barely affected while others need time to process their emotions. At the end of the day, the goal is for them to heal completely - physically and emotionally.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this project!
If you are interested in finding out more, I would highly recommend these readings:
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