“Our work is far from over, but I’m confident that with continued advocacy and support, we can create a future where every woman has the right to make informed choices about her own body.”
Abortion in Thailand has long been stigmatized and restricted by law. But the country has made significant strides in recent years: In January 2021, Thailand decriminalized the termination of pregnancy during first 12 weeks, and in October 2022, the country extended the law, legalizing abortions up to the 20th week of pregnancy.
This remarkable change was a result of advocacy efforts led by a queer feminist organization, Tamtang, which champions access to safe abortion and provides practical support through a chat line.
Since 1994, 60 countries, including Thailand, have liberalized their laws on abortion. On the other hand, the U.S. is one of just four countries—along with El Salvador, Nicaragua and Poland—that have removed legal access to abortion.
Tamtang’s efforts are spearheaded by its two lesbian co-founders, who you’ll hear from below. The organization’s work exemplifies the powerful intersection between LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights, highlighting the shared struggle for bodily autonomy and social justice.
Tamtang recently shared with Ms. (with logistical support from the Safe Abortion Action Fund, or SAAF) six personal stories from women who were part of this transformative movement, which you can read below. As we delve into these stories, we are reminded of the critical role that advocacy and community support play in advancing reproductive rights. The work of Tamtang and its co-founders is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who believe in the fundamental right to choose.
Editor’s note: These stories have been excerpted and lightly edited for clarity.
I’m proud that we let women know that they can have an abortion and be OK, that they will not be alone in making that decision.
Chompoo, Tamtang coordinator
In 2010, a major news story broke in Thailand when over two thousand fetuses were discovered in a Bangkok temple. The public discourse that followed was highly stigmatizing. Headlines were filled with opinions from police, monks, doctors, politicians, and men—everyone except the women who had actually undergone abortions. Accusations flew, with talk of karma and shame directed at those of us who had abortions.
Frustrated by the judgment and misinformation, I began writing about my own abortion experience. I started a blog to share my story and soon, other women began sharing their stories as well. One day, a woman reached out to me, seeking advice on where to obtain an abortion.
By then, I was already involved with Women on Web, helping to translate their website, and I was connected with the ‘Choice Network’ in Thailand. I began providing practical information on my blog to help women access abortion services.
The following year, a major flood hit Thailand, forcing my family and me to flee to Pattaya in Thailand. Unsure if I could maintain internet connectivity to assist women, I started giving out my phone number, thus beginning phone counseling for abortion.
In 2020, a significant legal turning point occurred when Thailand’s court ruled the existing law criminalizing abortion was unconstitutional. This decision was sparked by the arrest of a doctor providing abortions. Supported by civil society organizations, the doctor petitioned the Constitutional Court, arguing that legal restrictions on abortion violated a woman’s right to bodily autonomy. The court agreed, giving the government 360 days to amend the law.
In 2021, the law was changed to allow abortion on request within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, speaking to women who have undergone abortions, it’s clear that this reform is insufficient. Access to safe abortions still varies based on location, medical providers, and financial means.
Tamtang, the organization I co-founded, has played a crucial role in bringing abortion rights into the spotlight. Our advocacy efforts include public protests, social media campaigns, and lobbying decision-makers to improve both the law and its implementation. For instance, our invitation to two doctors to speak with the legislative committee influenced the extension of the legal time limit for abortions. I’m proud that our small group can make such a significant impact.
We inform women that they can have an abortion, be OK, and that they are not alone in their decision. However, there is still much to change. I hope for a future where abortions and post-abortion care are safely provided by the state, just like 99.5 percent of births in Thailand occur in hospitals. The cost of abortion should be fully covered by the government, and abortion pills should be available over the counter. Women should be able to conduct their own abortions or consult doctors without fear or shame.
Our work is far from over, but I’m confident that with continued advocacy and support, we can create a future where every woman has the right to make informed choices about her own body.
Chompoo, Tamtang coordinator
Nobody knew much about Tamtang, as we were just a small group, but we made a big noise.
Noom, advocacy coordinator
Before joining Tamtang, I was a columnist for a women’s magazine and attended the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. There, I met Anjana, a lesbian feminist activist and the first lesbian to come out publicly in Thailand. Her influence led me to volunteer with the organization she founded and to write my Master’s dissertation on lesbian identity in Thailand. This experience deepened my involvement in the women’s movement, lesbian activism, and issues affecting women living with HIV.
“I cannot accept injustice when I see it.”
I’ve been involved in advocacy for a long time. Before joining Tamtang, I fought to include gender equality in Thailand’s national HIV policies. Now, my work focuses on evidence-based advocacy for abortion rights, compiling data to present to politicians.
I’m fearless. As a former freelancer, I’ve always spoken my mind, and that courage supports my work with Tamtang. Even when policymakers don’t invite us, we find ways to enter spaces where critical decisions are made.
Tamtang was relatively unknown, but we made a significant impact. During Thailand’s pro-democracy protests, a team member addressed 50,000 people about the right to safe abortion and its connection to democracy. We were the lone voice on this issue, yet we successfully engaged with other feminists, gaining support to petition against Section 301, which criminalizes abortion.
We were the sole organization providing public information on the need for abortion law reform, leveraging the demonstrations to amplify our message.
Despite some legal changes, we still seek a more progressive approach to abortion, ensuring no one faces prosecution for ending a pregnancy. We also advocate for better implementation of the law so that people can access free abortion care.
A recent meeting with Thai abortion providers revealed that legal changes have eased their work and opened up conversations about abortion. Tamtang’s involvement in the ad-hoc committee played a crucial role in amending the law, allowing women to receive abortion care up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This progress highlights the impact of our work.
Now, even more groups agree that we need to eliminate criminal penalties for abortion. Tamtang continues to provide a platform for education and advocacy on abortion rights, remaining open to everyone.
Noom, advocacy coordinator
I had an abortion before the legal change, so I needed to do it under the clause of mental health.
Neab, project manager
I began volunteering with Tamtang in 2020, shortly after they supported me through an abortion. Now, I’m a project manager and a full-time team member.
Previously, I worked at a labor rights organization and was familiar with Tamtang’s efforts to amend Thailand’s abortion laws. By coincidence, I was at the parliament for a labor rights submission when Tamtang held a demonstration. I joined them and later reached out via Facebook to write an article about abortion rights and my experience. After my abortion, I was determined to contribute to this cause.
Before the legal change, I had to justify my abortion under the mental health clause. I believed it was my right, unaware I’d need to complete a mental health questionnaire. This requirement angered me. The media’s portrayal of women who had abortions as sinners or sluts didn’t help, making it difficult to talk about my experience initially.
The first time I spoke about it on a podcast, my voice shook, but Tamtang provided a safe space. Now, I can share my story with pride.
Working with Tamtang for nearly two years, I’ve developed more empathy. Initially, I viewed abortion from a human rights perspective, but I’ve learned to appreciate the complexities of each situation. I ensure to do at least one counseling shift weekly to understand people’s issues better and support them beyond my own experience. Positive feedback from those we help boosts team morale.
The legal change affirming women’s autonomy is a significant step forward. I’m relieved that women no longer need to justify their abortion with a mental health questionnaire. However, the law isn’t perfect—those accessing abortion outside the framework, especially after 12 weeks, are still criminalized. Women forced to buy abortion pills due to inadequate government services face unjust penalties. While the law aims to prevent unsafe medications, its poor implementation compels women to seek alternative methods.
Neab, project manager
I went into parliament and shared my experience and have worked with Tamtang to lobby politicians. I felt proud to be part of progress.
May, volunteer and podcast host
I first learned about Tamtang four years ago, following my own abortion experience. When I discovered I was pregnant, I had no idea whom to confide in. Sharing the news with my two best friends, I was met with silence and fear—they worried that being associated with an abortion would tarnish their success.
Desperate for guidance, I turned to Google, which offered little help. Fortunately, I recalled a tweet mentioning Tamtang and their information about a nearby clinic. I drove there and back alone.
Nearly a year later, a friend informed me about a Tamtang workshop for people who had undergone abortions. Initially hesitant, I questioned why I should keep my experience a secret. Attending the workshop unlocked many emotions, helping me overcome my fears and begin talking about my abortion.
The abortion law was on the verge of change, sparking widespread conversation. I started tweeting in support of legal abortion, receiving both hate and support. As my story gained traction, I collaborated with Chompoo to launch a podcast about abortion. Direct messages poured in from people seeking advice, sharing their experiences, or condemning me as a “killer.” Despite the negativity, the gratitude from those I helped kept me going.
Our podcast, now nearing 100 episodes, featured a renowned journalist discussing her abortion. Hearing a successful, admired person openly share her story was empowering. It made it easier for me to share my own journey, showing others that it’s possible to be successful and happy after an abortion.
The day the law changed was emotional. I had shared my experience in parliament and lobbied politicians with Tamtang. I felt proud to be part of the progress.
Reflecting on my abortion, I remember feeling utterly alone, despite having many friends. Knowing someone in my position might have an easier time now is reassuring.
However, I still advocate for complete decriminalization of abortion. It should be as safe and accessible as any other medical procedure. People should know where to go and whom to talk to when making decisions about pregnancy.
Despite many working on this issue, it never feels like enough. Abortion can happen to anyone—it’s more common than people realize.
May, volunteer and podcast host
I went into parliament and shared my experience and have worked with Tamtang to lobby politicians. I felt proud to be part of progress.
Nisa, hotline counsellor
I began my journey with Tamtang as a hotline counselor in 2017. My path to Tamtang started during my internship at an LGBT rights organization, where I met Chompoo, the Coordinator of Tamtang, at an event.
At the event, I heard Chompoo discussing her abortion as if it were a normal experience, which made me feel comfortable with my own. Before meeting Chompoo, I didn’t realize people could openly talk about their abortion experiences. I expressed my interest in working with Tamtang on this issue, and Chompoo welcomed me warmly. I’ve been with Tamtang ever since.
When I had my abortion, I didn’t confide in my partner at the time because I knew he couldn’t help. Fortunately, a friend from university who had undergone an abortion shared her experience with me. Trusting her recommendation, I went to the same place she did. However, the staff didn’t explain the procedure, simply instructing me to lie down and remain silent to avoid alarming others.
When I publicly shared that I had an abortion and that my life was okay, I didn’t expect the backlash. I received nearly 20,000 comments on social media, many from people who made assumptions about me. The overwhelming negativity led to an emotional breakdown.
My mother had always been silent about my work in abortion advocacy, and I wasn’t sure she approved. During this difficult time, I showed her the post and asked, “Do you think they’re right when they say you should have aborted me?” She responded by hugging me. Although I deleted the post, I found comfort in knowing my mother loved me and was trying to understand.
Before the legal change, Tamtang was invited to present the proposed amendments on television. I took the opportunity to share my personal experience as part of this public awareness campaign.
It is crucial to let people know that those who have abortions are real—it’s me, I’m here. Our presence at the center of this law change campaign was vital, as we are the ones who have actually undergone abortions. Politicians and doctors are frequently invited to these discussions, but where are the women and people who need abortions, and their voices? The media needs to see us more. Abortion is our issue.
Despite receiving negative comments, the positive responses outweigh them. I remember feeling like I wasn’t alone when I heard Chompoo’s story, and I wanted to provide that same comfort for others. To know they are not the only one.
The law could be better. Ideally, we wouldn’t have a law at all and could just let patients decide what they need. Abortion should be a simple treatment—after all, we don’t have a ‘cancer law’; why do we need an ‘abortion law’? It should be as normalized as any other healthcare issue.
My work with Tamtang has not only helped society understand the issue of abortion but has also been personally fulfilling.
Nisa, hotline counsellor
The Supreme Court’s overturning Roe v. Wade represented the largest blow to women’s constitutional rights in history. A series from Ms., Our Abortion Stories chronicles readers’ experiences of abortion pre- and post-Roe. Telling stories of then and now shows how critical abortion has been and continues to be for women and girls. Share your abortion story by emailing myabortionstory@msmagazine.com.
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