Lily Allen has openly discussed her experiences with abortion in a candid episode of her podcast. Known for her hit songs, the ’22’ singer has ventured into podcasting with ‘Miss Me?’, alongside co-host Miquita Oliver. The podcast often delves into personal and honest conversations about Allen’s life.
In a recent episode, Allen revealed that she frequently became pregnant before opting for an IUD for contraception. She stated, “I’d get pregnant all the time, all the time. Abortions I’ve had a few, but then again, I can’t remember exactly how many. I think maybe like, I want to say four or five.”
Oliver shared her perspective, noting: “I’ve had about five too! Lily, I’m so happy I can say that and you can say it and no one came to shoot us down, no judgment. We’ve had about the same amount of abortions.”
Allen also shared an anecdote about a past relationship where she found it romantic when a man paid for her abortion, only to later reflect on the actual cost of children: “No, I don’t think it’s generous or romantic. Think about that investment, like that’s, how much is it? 500 quid. Kids are a lot more expensive.”
The conversation turned to the stigma surrounding abortion, with Allen expressing her frustration over how the topic is often treated as taboo. She and Oliver aim to raise awareness and normalize discussions around abortion.
Oliver expressed her relief at being able to speak openly about her experiences: “I felt really embarrassed to even say that I had more than one abortion. Why the f*** should I be ashamed? I have had a few.”
Allen commented on how abortion is discussed online, stating: “I’ve seen memes going around sometimes, on Instagram from pro-abortion accounts or whatever, whenever this conversation comes up, and suddenly you start seeing people posting things about extraordinary reasons for having an abortion. Like, ‘My aunt had a kid that had this disability,’ or whatever, ‘if she went full term it was going to kill her, so we have to.’ It’s like, shut up! Just, ‘I don’t want a f***ing baby right now.’ Literally, ‘Don’t want a baby’ is enough reason.”
Allen is a mother to two daughters, Marnie Rose and Ethel Mary, whom she shares with her former partner Sam Cooper.