Paris Hilton’s decision to share her experience of getting an abortion twenty years ago is a powerful example of why it is so important for women to have the right to control their reproductive destiny. In her memoir, Paris: The Memoir, Hilton details how she found out she was pregnant after the first season of The Simple Life wrapped and how the decision to have an abortion was an intensely private agony that is impossible to explain.
Hilton was dating Tommy Hilfiger model Jason Shaw for two years, and although they were in love, she knew that she was not capable of making the kind of commitment that comes with starting a family. She writes that she had not yet come to terms with her past experiences of abuse in the troubled teen industry network and that the pregnancy hormones sent her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms spiraling.
The heiress writes that she made the right choice to have an abortion, although she still looks back on her decision with sorrow. She hopes that by sharing her story, it will give other women courage to know that they are not alone and that they do not owe anyone an explanation for their choices. She also acknowledges that her decision was necessary for her to be able to have the life she has today, including her son Phoenix Barron Hilton Reum, who she welcomed earlier this year via a surrogate.
Hilton’s story is a reminder that women need to be able to control their reproductive destiny, know themselves, trust themselves, and know what is right for them. If you or someone you know needs help obtaining an abortion or additional information and resources, there are many organizations that can provide support, including abortionfunds.org and abortionfinder.org. The All Options hotline at 1-888-493-0092 also offers unconditional and judgment-free support for people in all of their decisions, feelings, and experiences with pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption.
