On June 26, Ireland Baldwin shared her experiences with abortion and sexual assault on TikTok, saying, "Before I share what I am going to share, I don't feel that it is anybody's responsibility to talk about this if they don't feel comfortable." She cited TikToks she had seen featuring women urging other woman to share their stories, and explained that she feels women should share their stories if, and only if, they're ready to do so. "I am only now sharing my story because I want other women to feel supported and loved, whether they want to share their own or not," she said.
She then opened up about her experiences with sexual assault. "I was raped when I was a teenager and I was completely unconscious when it happened and it changed the course of the rest of my life," she said. "Seeing so many other brave women share their stories got me thinking what my life would have been like if I had become pregnant and if I had to raise a baby during everything I was going through at the time. Mind you, I have medical resources, money and support that a lot of women do not have access to. It would have simply been traumatizing and impossible."
She also discussed her decision to have an abortion after getting pregnant while in an "unhappy relationship."
"Choosing to raise a baby without my own financial security, without a loving and supportive partner, that wasn't gonna work for me," she said. "I chose me, and I would choose me again. It's your life, it's your choice."
If you or someone you know would like to speak with someone who is trained to assist sexual assault survivors, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
