British pop star Lily Allen has never shied away from controversial topics, but her latest revelation during a podcast episode has reignited conversations about reproductive health and celebrity candor. On the June 30 episode of her podcast Miss Me?, which she co-hosts with Miquita Oliver, Allen opened up about her personal experiences with multiple abortions in a candid and at times humorous discussion.
“I have an IUD now, I think I’m on my third, maybe fourth,” the 40-year-old singer said. “Before that, it was a complete disaster area. I’d get pregnant all the time.” Her blunt honesty left Oliver momentarily speechless, prompting Allen to break into a parody of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” quipping: “Abortions, I’ve had a few, but then again, I can’t remember exactly how many.”
How many abortions has Lily Allen had?
During the conversation, Allen admitted that she genuinely couldn’t recall the exact number of abortions she’s had, estimating “four or five.” This level of openness about such a sensitive topic sparked both support and controversy online, especially as Allen continued to share anecdotes from her past.
In one particularly striking story, she remembered a time when a partner paid for her abortion. “I remember once getting pregnant and the man paying for my abortion and me thinking it was so romantic,” she said with a wry laugh. “I’ll tell you how romantic it was — I don’t think he texted me after!”
Oliver, in turn, shared that she too had undergone “about five” abortions, agreeing that getting an IUD had dramatically changed her life. “The pattern would be: unfortunately get pregnant, not want to be, have an abortion. Then while I was sedated in said abortion, they’d give me a coil,” she said, using the British term for IUD. However, she added, she “can’t quite remember” why she eventually had the device removed each time.
Why is Lily Allen’s stance on abortion gaining attention again?
Allen has been vocal about abortion rights for years. In 2022, she used her Instagram Stories to speak out against the way some people frame abortion access. “I wish people would stop posting examples of exceptional reasons for having abortions,” she wrote. “Most people I know, myself included, just didn’t want to have a f—–g baby. And that is reason enough! We don’t have to justify it.”
This bold statement reflected the views of many in the pro-choice movement, and Allen was praised for destigmatizing a decision that millions of women make each year. Her comments in the podcast continue that legacy of frankness, delivered in a way that blends personal narrative with social commentary.
While Allen’s tone may be irreverent, the underlying message resonates: reproductive autonomy doesn’t always come wrapped in trauma or dramatic circumstance. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of choice — and that should be respected.
What impact might Allen’s words have on the public conversation?
Lily Allen is no stranger to public scrutiny, and her decision to speak candidly about her abortions could reignite both praise and backlash. Yet by approaching the topic with both seriousness and levity, she helps normalize discussions that many still consider taboo.
With two daughters — Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 12 — Allen’s openness might also serve as a model for a new generation of women navigating their own reproductive choices. By acknowledging her past without shame, she contributes to a broader conversation about how society views women’s autonomy over their bodies.
As debates over abortion access continue worldwide, voices like Allen’s remain crucial. Her story underscores a fundamental point: reproductive decisions are deeply personal and deserve respect, not judgment. Will more public figures follow her lead?
