Prosecutions and investigations for ending a pregnancy are rising. News outlets play an important role in this, because media discourse shapes public opinion on abortion. 

Journalists have the power to reduce shame and stigma, and build a society that shows compassion for people who need abortions. But some media outlets perpetuate harmful myths and stereotypes, and incites debate on an essential healthcare procedure.

Inspired by the work of Abortion Dream Team in Poland, Level Up worked with medical experts, abortion providers and journalists to create media guidelines for reporting on abortion in Britain. The guidelines share tips on how to report with accuracy, compassion, and sensitivity. Most importantly, they encourage journalists to treat abortion as a public health issue, not a debate.