You listen to Lily Allen, and you hear a voice unfiltered and brutally honest. In a recent episode of her podcast Miss Me?, the singer reflects on a chaotic period in her life. She reveals that she “can’t remember exactly how many” abortions she had during her reproductive years. Instead, she estimates it was around four or five. These words are not questions. They are statements that let you witness her vulnerability. They reveal the messy truth of seeking control amid personal chaos.
A Candid Glimpse into a Tumultuous Era
You learn that before implanting her current intrauterine device—her third or fourth—Allen experienced repeated unintended pregnancies. She recalls a time when she would “get pregnant all the time,” describing it as a “complete disaster area.”
This confession gives you insight into the unpredictable nature of her life before finding effective birth control. You understand how this admission humanizes her public image and fosters a new level of empathy among her listeners.
Shared Experiences with Friend and Co‑host
Next, you hear co‑host Miquita Oliver unveil her similar journey. She also had “about five” abortions, emphasizing solidarity with Allen. In a moment that feels both disarming and comforting, Oliver sings lightly to the tune of Sinatra’s “My Way”: “Abortions I’ve had a few… but then again… I can’t remember exactly how many.” These words resonate with you, underscoring the mental blur of repeated procedures.
Reassessing Romantic Gestures
You discover Allen once viewed a partner paying for an abortion as romantic. That memory, she now says, tastes different in hindsight. She reflects that although she once found beauty in that gesture, she now knows “I don’t think it’s generous or romantic.” She adds that the man never followed up afterward. You feel the shift from youthful naivety to mature clarity.
Motherhood Offers Strength Amid Turmoil
You sense Allen’s strength as she describes navigating personal upheaval while parenting. She shares that breaking up with David Harbour in early 2025 left her “devastated,” yet she leans on her daughters, Marnie and Ethel, as her unwavering support. When she admits parenting through pain is “really tough,” you feel the weight of responsibility she shoulders. Despite the strain, you also glean the joy her children bring her family.
The Power of Open Reproductive Dialogue
You follow her unwavering message: abortion must be spoken about openly and without stigmatization. She stands firm in her support of reproductive freedom, acknowledging that such decisions aren’t always “shameful” or equipped with easy answers. The candid tone of her conversation invites you to rethink your own views on abortion and judgment.
Remembering the Emotional Echoes
You perceive the emotional echoes that follow each termination. Although Allen didn’t dwell on every detail, she implied their mark on her psyche. By admitting she lost count, you sense the mental and emotional toll that multiple abortions can take—even absent regret. Her frankness forces you to reckon with how medical procedures intersect with memory, healing, and identity.
Where It All Leaves You
You emerge from this story acknowledging Allen’s courage for speaking unguardedly. Her willingness to revisit chaotic chapters in her life shows her evolution. Her honesty may feel uncomfortable, but it’s indispensable. You realize that through her voice, you’re encouraged to consider reproductive choices in a more compassionate and human light.
