Women in America are having the rights over their bodies stripped away from them under shocking new abortion laws. This week, Georgia signed a bill which heavily restricts abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, making it the sixth state to introduce such a ban. 

And now, Busy Philipps has shared her story in the hope women will speak openly about their own experiences with abortion. 

During a recent episode of Philipps’ late night talk show Busy Tonight, the actress and presenter spoke openly about her abortion at the age of 15, and gave her take on the reality of what an abortion ban means. 

“I know that people feel very strongly about abortion, but let me just say this,” Philipps began. “Women and doctors are in the best position to make informed decisions about what is best for them. Nobody else. Nobody.”

“Here is the reality,” she continued. “No bill that criminalises abortion will stop anyone from making this incredibly personal choice, but these laws will put more women at risk. Every woman deserves compassion and care, not judgement and interference when it comes to their own bodies.”

Philipps then went on to reference the statistic that one in every four women in the United States will have an abortion by the age of 45 – something many find hard to believe. In response, she encouraged other women who have had abortions to speak out and share their experiences.

“I had an abortion when I was 15 years old and I’m telling you this because I’m genuinely really scared for women and girls all over the country,” Philipps shared.

“I think we all need to be talking more – and sharing our stories.”

Shortly after the show, Philipps took to Twitter to continue the discussion, where she was met with messages of support from fans of the show.

“I spoke about my abortion on my show tonight,” she wrote, “because I can not sit idly by while women’s rights are stripped away.” 

“This is awesome,” one user replied. “More women need to tell their abortion stories. Thank you. Love how you give zero explanation or justification for the abortion. Any reason is a good reason because if it’s unwanted, it’s *unwanted*.”

Georgia’s bill will mean access to abortions in the state will be heavily restricted, effectively banning them for many women who don’t realise that they are pregnant in time to make a decision - over what happens to their own body. 

It joins the five other states which have passed similar laws – Ohio, Mississippi, Kentucky, Iowa, and North Dakota.

The bill means that doctors will not legally be able to perform abortions after they are able to detect a fetal heartbeat, which usually occurs around the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy. 

Images: Getty