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Oral Histories

A whiteboard inviting oral histories / abortion stories is propped against metal fencing next to the lawn of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. A protest in front of the Capitol is visible in the background.

Tone Madison is publishing oral histories related to abortion, miscarriage, birth control, and reproductive health from people in the Madison area. All stories are welcome. You don’t need a reason to have an abortion. You do not need to justify your choice. Your experience does not need to fit into any familiar or expected narratives. We recognize the power dynamics present when people share their personal stories with media outlets. By basing this project on an oral history model, we hope to provide a platform for people to share their stories in their own words, and the option to do so anonymously. We hope to publish stories that reflect the variety and complexities of people’s individual experiences with abortion and reproductive health.

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Oral Histories's Latest Articles

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Oral History: I’m a 40-year-old female single mother of three children

"I felt as though I had only one choice at this point and it was to end my third pregnancy."

Lightning bolts, pink message bubbles and white envelopes rain down from a gray cloud on a background of pale blue and white.
Oral History: Last year I was in a sexually abusive relationship

"It's still really difficult, especially seeing so many people be pro-life, because I just couldn't imagine if I had to bear that child."

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Oral History: I am a 46-year-old mother of adult children in Madison, Wisconsin, who found out I was five weeks pregnant last week

"I don't understand how at my age it can be somebody else's decision what is right for me and my family."

A checkerboard of white envelopes on a white background with light green splotches, and pink message bubbles on light blue backgrounds.
Oral History: I was a college student, and I had a steady boyfriend, although—we had not actually used the words boyfriend and girlfriend yet

"I'm so grateful that I had access to that at a point where I was not ready to start a family."

Lightning bolts, pink message bubbles and white envelopes rain down from a gray cloud on a background of pale blue and white.
Oral History: In 1981, I had just turned 17 and begun my senior year of high school

"It bothers me when people who are opposed to abortion glibly dismiss elective abortion as selfish and for convenience."

Lightning bolts, pink message bubbles and white envelopes rain down from a gray cloud on a background of pale blue and white.
Oral History: I’m a cisgender woman and I’ve had painful periods from the start

"I only wish I’d given myself permission to seek out the proven treatment for my painful periods 12 years ago."

Two people crouch on either side of a stroller on the lawn of the Wisconsin State Capitol. The toddler in the stroller looks at the camera with their legs raised in the air. A sign above the stroller says "ASK ME ABOUT MY ABORTION!" with a rainbow at the top.
Oral History: Adam’s Story

"Because of arbitrary legal limitations, we had to rush into the most difficult and painful decision of our lives and act immediately."

A whiteboard inviting oral histories / abortion stories is propped against metal fencing next to the lawn of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. A protest in front of the Capitol is visible in the background.
Oral History: In 2017, I needed to have abdominal surgery

"I was so humiliated to have my husband come to my pre-op appointment just to sign a permission slip for me to longer be able to become pregnant."

Caption: In a photo taken from the steps of the state Capitol, protestors hold up handwritten signs on cardboard and poster board, with state street visible in the background. Photos by Emily Mills.
Oral History: The year was 2014

"Swallowing the MAP allowed me to finish my education, and swallowing a metaphorical pill forced me to live my life openly and honestly."

Oral History: It was 1996 and I lived near my hometown in Los Angeles County, California

"I did the same thing I'd have done if I mistakenly cut myself or burned myself… I went to the doctor and got care."