Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Lily Allen on Abortion: 'Can't Remember the Count' and Finding Romance in Unexpected Places

Lily Allen admitted she 'can't remember' how many abortions she has had as she opened up about birth control in a chat with best friend Miquita Oliver

EXCLUSIVE: Lily Allen Spills Tea on Abortion, Birth Control, and Why She's Fed Up with Justifying Her Choices

In a candid conversation with her best friend Miquita Oliver on their podcast Miss Me?, singer Lily Allen dished out all the juicy details about her reproductive journey. The 40-year-old songstress wasn't afraid to get real about her experiences with birth control, abortions, and why she's had enough of justifying her choices.

Lily confessed that her reproductive system is a "complete disaster area" and that she would often get pregnant despite using various forms of contraception. When asked by Miquita if she remembered how many abortions she's had, Lily quipped, "Abortions I've had a few... but then again... I can't remember exactly how many." She jokingly added, "I think maybe like, I want to say four or five."

Lily - shares daughters, Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 11, with her ex-husband Sam Cooper - and revealed she thinks she's had four or five abortions in the past (pictured in 2022)

Miquita chimed in with her own abortion story, revealing that she's had around the same number of abortions as Lily. The two friends continued to dish out their personal experiences and opinions on birth control, with Lily confessing that she once got pregnant and had an abortion paid for by her ex-partner. When Miquita suggested that this was romantic, Lily quickly shot down the idea, saying, "No, I don't think it's generous or romantic. Think about that investment – kids are a lot more expensive!"

The conversation took a hilarious turn when Lily began singing to the tune of Frank Sinatra's My Way, substituting the lyrics with her own abortion experiences. Miquita joined in, and the two friends had a blast belting out their rendition.

However, things got serious when the topic turned to the stigma surrounding abortions. Lily expressed her frustration at having to justify her choices, saying, "It actually irritates me... We don't have to justify it. It shouldn't have to be said, and I think all these examples just play into the hands of the baddies."

Lily began singing to the tune of Frank Sinatra's My Way: 'Abortions I've had a few... but then again... I can't remember exactly how many'

The singer has been an outspoken advocate for women's reproductive rights, particularly after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade in 2022. She appeared on stage with Olivia Rodrigo during her Glastonbury performance, singing their hit song F* You as a protest against the ruling.

In a poignant moment, Lily revealed that she had an abortion in the past and encouraged women not to feel ashamed about terminating a pregnancy. "Most people I know, myself included, just didn't want to have a f*ing baby and that is reason enough," she said. "We don't have to justify it."

Lily's personal experiences with miscarriage and stillbirth are well-documented. In 2008, she suffered a miscarriage with then-partner Ed Simmons from the Chemical Brothers. Two years later, she lost her baby at six months pregnant due to blood poisoning. The singer has since spoken about the trauma she experienced during this time.

The conversation on Miss Me? comes as MPs in the UK voted in favor of measures to decriminalize women terminating their own pregnancies. Under the proposed legislation, women will no longer face prosecution for aborting their own baby for any reason and at any stage up to birth.

Lily's candid conversation with Miquita has sparked a vital conversation about reproductive rights and the importance of removing stigma around abortions. As she said herself, "We don't have to justify it."

For help and support with pregnancy options in the UK, please call the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) on 03457 30 40 30. If you are in the US, please call Planned Parenthood on 1-800-230-PLAN.

Related Articles:

  • The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade has left many women feeling anxious and uncertain about their reproductive rights.
  • Lily Allen's music has always been a reflection of her personal experiences and opinions. From "Smile" to "F* You," she's never been afraid to speak her mind.
  • Miquita Oliver's podcast Miss Me? is known for its candid conversations with guests, from celebrities to ordinary women sharing their stories.

Sources:

  • [The Scholarly Note] (thescholarlynote.com)