After hearing about the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, writer and editor Brune Smith was inspired to start collecting personal stories about abortion. 

Shortly before the court’s ruling, Smith began to think she was ready to publicly share the story of her own abortion. Then, inspired by visual artist Katy Horan’s call for abortion stories for a comic project, Smith imagined how impactful it would be to receive all those narratives and see herself reflected. 

Anyone who has had an abortion is welcome to share their story for Smith’s collection, titled Bodily Autonomy: True and Personal Stories of Abortion. The book will be published through Barnes & Noble, and all profits will be donated to Together Rising, which provides support to a range of reproductive justice organizations.

Smith is looking for true and personal abortion stories under 1,000 words. You don’t have to be a published writer to submit, and you can remain anonymous, if you wish. If your story is selected, Smith will help you edit and fine-tune it for publication.

The stories Smith says she received so far have been incredibly diverse and unique. “I love that I get to read from people from different generations, ethnicities, and gender, and witness a common, rich and nuanced throughline come alive,” she said.

Smith believes that now is a crucial time to amplify real-life stories about abortion. “At a time when the fundamental human right of uterus owners to have a safe abortion is being taken away in some places and threatened in others, I believe in the incredible power of the collective.” She says these stories are a way of fostering important conversations, and helping people see their experiences reflected. 

This sounds like an incredible project that will resonate with so many who have their own stories of abortion. If you feel ready to share your experience, this sounds like a purposeful and impactful opportunity to do so.

The deadline to submit a story is August 15th. Find more details and submit your story here.