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An internet-wide debate has resulted from one brave woman’s choice to detail her at-home abortion experience on TikTok. On 20 July, a 24-year-old woman named Monica showed her TikTok followers how she completed her abortion, from the comfort of her home, for the first time at nine weeks pregnant. She began by showing the items she needed to prepare her body: the required prescription drug typically used for terminating early pregnancy, motion sickness medicine, a bottle of water, maxi pads, and Planned Parenthood’s timely instructions. “It is highly recommended to take ibuprofen (with food) and anti-nausea pills 30 minutes before your first dose of abortion pills which I did here,” she said. For her first dose, Monica – who already has one daughter – was required to put four pills in the sides of her mouth and keep them there for 30 minutes. Then, she washed down the tablets with water. Speaking with Newsweek, the woman explained why she decided to share her abortion experience using the medications mifepristone and misoprostol, which are typically prescribed to terminate early stages of pregnancy. “My hope would be that abortion becomes more normalised and seen as what it is - healthcare,” she confessed. “I wanted to create a safe space for women to come forward and share their experiences and stories about their abortions without the fear of being judged or criticised.” The 24-year-old continued: “I’ve noticed that the media tends to ignore the topic of abortion as a whole and I thought, ‘Well, maybe if I come forward and share my own journey, we can finally talk about it.’” Her video showing the side effects of using the “abortion pill” - mifepristone and misoprostol, prescribed by Planned Parenthood - has now reached over 3.1m views. However, it’s received mixed emotions and reactions online. @monicathehuman TW: Abortion Pro-Lifers please dni. This is my personal experience with abortion pills and how I prepared for the day. There is a lot left out so if you have any questions please feel free to ask and I’ll do be my best to go into more detail! Side note: I am a 24 year old mother of one. Overall, the pain was at a 10 for me and I have a very high pain tolerance and personally, it felt like being in labor without an epidural. Just note, this experience is NOT expected for everyone! For others it may just feel like a very bad period and I am someone who luckily doesn’t experience period cramps so this is not a usual thing for me! A special shoutout to @Planned Parenthood for helping my experience run smooth and quickly ❤️ My symptoms the first 12 hours: •Slight Nausea in the first 15 min. •Diarrhea •Dizziness •Fatigue after 10 hours My symptoms the morning after: •Spotting Resources: Need to talk to someone about your abortion experience? Text: 617-749-2948 Or Visit: https://www.mahotline.org/ for any info or support to self-manage a miscarriage or abortion #plannedparenthood #abortion #abortionpill #prochoice #abortionexperience #mifepristone #misoprostol ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design While some followers thanked Monica for her vulnerability, others were opposed. “Thank you for posting. I’ve never known how these kind of abortions work,” one woman wrote. “Wtf why is this on TikTok?” another person said. “I definitely felt hesitant about documenting my abortion because I was so worried about the kind of response I would get,” Monica told Newsweek. “It was my attempt to reach out to those who may feel alone or unsupported through such a vulnerable event and to show that there is nothing to hide when it comes to making a choice that is best for you.” “In all honesty, when the negativity did start rolling in, I was just so comfortable with my decision that none of them fazed me. There was nothing anyone could have said that would have changed my mind or made me regret posting my video,” she continued. “I helped so many more people than they ever could have with their hatred and that’s what mattered most to me - helping people.” @monicathehuman Here is my abortion follow-up video for everyone wondering what that looks like! Thank you all again for your support and thank you to everyone who felt safe enough to confide in me about their journeys! ❤️ You’re all so loved and this is your reminder that you are NOT alone and you are supported by SO many despite the stigma. Abortion is Healthcare! ?? • • #abortionrights #abortionishealthcare #abortion #abortionjourney #plannedparenthood #prochoice #abortionpill #mifepristone #misoprostol #abortionexperience #aidaccess #plancpills ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design Despite the negativity, an overwhelming number of commenters were pleased to see Monica open up about her experience. Many women related to her, and offered their own advice on how to cope emotionally and physically following an abortion. One individual said: “Please priortise your mental health after this process. It could be hard, but you got this. You are strong. You did what was right for you.” “This was so informative. Thanks for sharing your story,” a TikTok user noted, while another added: “Literally saving. Bless you, for showing us the process. I was always terrified of it.” Even commenters from US states such as Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama - where bans or restrictions to abortion access have become increasingly common - encouraged her honesty, despite being located where abortion has now been made illegal and inaccessible. “I think it’s incredibly important for women to share stories like this because in a big way, it helps to destigmatise abortion,” Monica told Newsweek. “Talking to all these women and sharing our stories together also opened my eyes to see just how little support women around the world have when it comes to reproductive health.” @monicathehuman #abortion #abortionrights #abortionishealthcare #abortionjourney #prochoice #abortionexperience ♬ original sound - Moon ? “It’s a right that everyone deserves and a choice that no one should ever make without proper resources and education. It’s heartbreaking when I hear that it’s not available to everyone just anywhere,” the mother said. “In some places, it may even place a danger on people for just talking about it. I felt so powerless with my inability to help them and I can only imagine what they may feel.” She added: “I hope that my video will reach the right people who have had questions about abortion and to hopefully clear the misconceptions and lies surrounding it. It’s not as scary as many people have been taught to believe, and they are not alone.” In 2022, the US Supreme Court officially overturned the decision in Roe v Wade, which protected a woman’s right to an abortion more than 50 years ago. One year later, 13 states have implemented total bans starting from conception, while Georgia has implemented a ban after six weeks. The Independent has reached out to Monica for comment. Read More What the GOP candidates have said about abortion rights Abortion drug case likely headed to Supreme Court after Republican-appointed judges agree to restrict access Are abortions about to be even harder to get? Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

Lana Del Rey has raised eyebrows after wearing a white dress to Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley’s wedding. The music producer, 38, and The Maid star, 29, tied the knot during a wedding ceremony in New Jersey, which was attended by a number of star-studded guests. Among the guest list included Channing Tatum, Zoe Kravitz, Cara Delevingne, and Taylor Swift - who drew a large swarm of fans outside the rehearsal dinner venue in Long Beach Island. Another famous face spotted at the nuptials was Antonoff’s longtime collaborator Lana Del Rey, who wore a pink-and-white mini dress with pink platform slides to the ceremony. The white, lace dress featured small, pink flowers with a halter neckline. She paired the outfit with a white cardigan, Lemon Jelly platform sandals, and a baby blue Prada handbag. While the “Video Games” singer’s outfit choice may have been summer-ready, many fans on social media pointed out how guests should never wear white to a wedding, as the colour is strictly reserved for the bride. “Why is she wearing white???” one person asked on X, formally known as Twitter. “Now why did she wear white to a wedding,” another fan pointed out. A third person wrote: “I get these people are celebrities but like wtf you don’t wear white or anything close to white at a wedding???????” However, other fans were unbothered by Del Rey’s casual wedding fashion choice, as they jokingly tweeted: “I love Lana because she’s a hot famous person who also looks like someone who works at Target.” “Deeply obsessed with Lana’s wedding vibes,” another said. “I’d let her wear white to my wedding,” tweeted someone else. Typically, wedding guests should choose a colour other than white to a wedding as a way to avoid upstaging the bride’s white wedding dress. However, according to the Emily Post Institute, it can be acceptable to wear white, as long as it doesn’t distract from the bride or her bridesmaids’ dresses. Antonoff and Qualley tied the knot on Saturday (19 August) at Parker’s Garage and Oyster Saloon on Long Beach Island after nearly two years of dating. The two announced their engagement in May 2022, two months after making their relationship public at the AFI Awards Luncheon in March that year. For the occasion, Qualley wore a white satin halter-neck dress with a plunging neckline and crystal detailing along its hem. The Once Upon A Time in Hollywood star also wore Mary Jane flats, and a long veil as she entered the venue. Meanwhile, Antonoff wore a black tuxedo. The bride’s mother, actor Andie MacDowell, attended the ceremony in a blue gown with a palm leaf pattern. Her ex-husband and Qualley’s father - Paul Qualley - was also in attendance, as well as her siblings - sister Rainey and brother Justin. Antonoff’s sister Rachel, a fashion designer, attended the ceremony too. Swift, Antonoff’s longtime friend and collaborator, attended the nuptials in a pale blue lace dress with a corset-style bodice. The “Anti-Hero” singer was seen hanging out with Tatum and Kravitz after the ceremony. The newlywed couple announced their engagement in May 2022 when Qualley shared photos of her diamond ring to Instagram. “Oh I love him!” she captioned the post, which showed the actor hugging the Bleachers musician from behind. The slideshow also featured three selfies of the pair, with Qualley resting her head on Antonoff’s neck. In the fourth image, Qualley is seen kissing Antonoff’s cheek as he snapped a polaroid picture. Read More Inside Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff’s star-studded New Jersey wedding Margaret Qualley shows off diamond ring as she confirms engagement to Jack Antonoff Lana Del Rey spotted working at a waffle house in Alabama Inside Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff’s star-studded New Jersey wedding How to create the mermaid eyes beauty look that’s trending on TikTok Doja Cat acknowledges fan backlash to her drastic change in style

Amateur sleuths with a taste for the supernatural will be glued to their screens next weekend in a bid to try and discover the truth behind Scotland's biggest mystery.

Luxury watches worth more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) have been reported as stolen or missing, with a

The NHS is working with Morrisons to put health warnings in the supermarket’s underwear about potential signs of breast and testicular cancer. Labels in the Nutmeg brand, initially in boxer shorts and crop-top bras, will offer advice on what to look for. Available in 240 shops around England in the coming months, packaging will also contain a QR code linking to the NHS website for more detailed information on breast and testicular cancer. Dame Cally Palmer, NHS England’s national director for cancer, said: “This is the first time the whole of the NHS has worked with a national supermarket brand to put health messaging on clothing, with the aim of encouraging thousands more people to be body aware, so they can spot new or unexplained changes that might be cancer symptoms early, and contact their GP practice for checks if concerned. “Cancer survival is at an all-time high – survival for both breast and testicular cancers have improved significantly over the last 50 years and we’re seeing more people than ever before diagnosed at an early stage – and this partnership with Morrisons is just one of the many ways we are ensuring people are aware of potential cancer symptoms. “I want to urge everyone to be aware of their own bodies – please look out for lumps and bumps or anything else that is unusual for you – and get checked out early, it could save your life.” Not sure how to properly check for lumps and changes? Here’s how… Breasts and pecs According to the NHS, you should see your GP if you find “a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before”. Similarly, you should seek help if you see a change in size or shape of one or both breasts, discharge from either of your nipples, a change in the look or feel of your skin, a rash around the nipple, or a change in the appearance of your nipple. When physically checking them, NHS guidance says: “Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit. “You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.” All genders have breast tissue, so everyone should get into a regular routine of checking their breasts or pecs. Charity CoppaFeel! runs a text service to remind you to check once a month. Testicles Knowing what is normal for you is vital when regularly checking testicles too. Changes to watch out for include a lump in your testicles, swelling, changes in shape and feel, aching or discomfort that doesn’t go away, or one testicle becoming bigger than the other. See your GP if you notice any of these changes. When physically checking your testicles, Macmillan Cancer Support says: “It can be easier to check the testicles during, or right after, a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Hold the scrotum in the palm of your hand. Use your fingers and thumb to examine each testicle.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live What you need to know about menopause, as the UK’s first education programme announced How to create the mermaid eyes beauty look that’s trending on TikTok How to force bulbs to flower at Christmas

For a lot of people, coffee is one of the few things that gets them out of bed and out the door in the mornings. But while it’s tempting to whack the kettle on first thing, a health expert has stated that delaying our first coffee of the day could be much more beneficial to our health. Nutritionist Gabi from The Fast 800 urged people to wait at least 90 minutes before getting their first coffee hit [via the Mirror]. Gabi claims that we can all boost energy levels by doing so. In fact, eating on an empty stomach could even cause your body to enter stress mode and release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. "Supporting your morning coffee routine with some smart practices can be a game changer for your overall well-being,” Gabi said. She recommends drinking water, as well as eating a meal packed with fibre and protein to balance sugar levels. “Elevated blood sugar can trigger inflammation and set us up to be on a blood sugar roller coaster for the rest of the day, thereby tanking our energy supply,” the health guru said. "Within the first hour of waking, our cortisol levels ideally acutely rise and fall in a response known as our cortisol awakening response. This rise and fall of cortisol represents a healthy nervous system and actually has a big influence on our immune health and even the risk of autoimmune development." She also states that delaying coffee for a minimum of 90 minutes promotes high energy levels. Gabi said: "Morning light exposure is a huge regulator of circadian rhythm and light exposure triggers the healthy release of cortisol in the morning to support the body’s natural rhythm. Getting natural light exposure within the first hour or so of waking is a great way to support optimal hormone balance." It comes after it was revealed that the drink also gives us an extra ‘special boost’ as well as just a caffeine hit. Scientists have claimed that the act of drinking a cup of joe gives the body a lift, making us more alert, which can’t be replicated merely with caffeine. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Radio presenter Chris Evans has announced live on air that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Evans, 57, revealed on his Virgin Radio show on Monday morning (21 August) that his doctors broke the news to him just recently. However, he reassured listeners that the disease was discovered in its early stages and he is hopeful he will have a full recovery after he undergoes treatment next month. Evans said on his breakfast show: “We need to discuss what’s going on with this issue. It is a melanoma. “There’s this phrase called a malignant melanoma – you know once you get something and you find out all about it – that is a redundant phrase because if it is a melanoma, it is malignant.” He added: “But it’s been caught so early, just so you know, that it should be completely treatable.” According to The Sun, the broadcaster said his treatment is settee begin on 14 September. Evans, who is a running enthusiast, joked that he won’t be able to run for “a month afterwards”, adding: “So I’m going to do nothing but run until then. Is that OK?” He previously had a cancer scare in 2019 and revealed at the time he took a skin cancer test after finding unusual marks on his body before Christmas. That year, the radio presenter said: “I went and had a few marks on my body inspected by a skin expert before Christmas and she said. ‘You need to come and see me again, just because of your complexion’. The expert advised him to get checked once a year. Read More Barbie? Ken? Venezuela?: Why baby names won’t be boring for much longer Britney Spears posts heartbroken statement after Sam Asghari split: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Geri Halliwell says her ‘sillier self came out’ when she met husband Christian Horner

Embraced by beauty influencers and celebs on the red carpet, the mermaid eyes look has been one of the biggest make-up trends of the summer on TikTok, and it’s still going strong as we head towards autumn. “Mermaid eyes aim to resemble a multi-dimensional, ethereal sparkle and the scales on a mermaid’s tail,” says Sarah Amelia Fogg, celebrity make-up artist and founder of Brows by Sarah. “Whether you’re one of the many fans of The Little Mermaid, or just love a glittery eye, the mermaid eyes look is perfect for adding a special touch to your make-up this autumn/winter and party season.” Whether you prefer a subtle champagne sheen, an aquatic shimmer or a rosy glow, it’s easy to tailor your mermaid glam colour palette. “Anyone can complete the look as it is so quick and easy, but it also creates such a powerful, bright pop for the eyes,” says Fogg. Here, she offers a step-by-step guide on how to create the mermaid eyes look at home… 1. Prep and prime Preparation is key to ensuring a long-lasting mermaid eyes look. “An effective primer all over the face including the eyelids will give the eye shadow something to stick to,” says Fogg. “I also always like to apply a thin layer of my concealer to the lids after the primer and before the eye shadow, to create an even colour that will help the glitter sit evenly.” 2. Base colour Next, choose which colour glitter you want to use to adorn your eyes. “The most common choice is the white/clear glitter look, but many prefer an added pop of colour like Hailey Bieber did with the pink tint, or Halle Bailey did with the blue,” says Fogg. “When you’ve chosen your colour, apply a base layer of matte eyeshadow of the same colour to your eyelid. This will add depth to the eye look and will help the colour to pop behind the glitter, which will create a more vivid, intense design.” 3. Shimmer shadow To create the mermaid tail effect, top your base colour with a pearlescent pressed powder or liquid eyeshadow. “If you’re aiming for a look like Hailey Bieber’s, then I would recommend a pressed glitter eye shadow, as this provides a more subtle layer of glitter that pops when it catches the light,” says Fogg. “If you’d prefer a more intense shimmer, then I would definitely recommend a liquid glitter as this will stay prominent on the eyes.” Or double up for maximum impact: “Some people even choose to have a layer of liquid glitter and then a layer of shadow on top to ensure that the glow stays put all day.” 4. Create a delicate flick “This step is optional, as I know that some people prefer to add an eyeliner flick while some don’t,” says Fogg. “If you’re choosing to create a flick, I would recommend sticking to a delicate, thin shape as you want to maintain the feminine, gentle aesthetic of the mermaid eyes trend. “Once this is complete, spray your eyes with a powerful setting spray to keep the glitter in place.” Finish with a single coat of mascara: “Apply a thin layer to the lashes to keep them delicate and lifted – you want to aim to open up the eyes without making the lashes the star of the show.” 5. Fluffy brows “Fluffy brows are perfect for this look as they are strong and defining but won’t take emphasis away from the star of the show – the mermaid eyes,” says Fogg. Instead of a pigmented powder or brow pencil, she recommends: “A strong clear brow gel such as Brows by Sarah Fluff It Up, £39, as this is what will hold the hairs in place and will help to keep your full brows last all day.” Lottie London Love Aura Palette, £5.95 Kiko Create Your Balance Gaze Defining Eyeshadow Palette 02 Boost Me, £24.99 Makeup by Mario Master Metals Palette, £55, Sephora

The crowds of travelers filling airports in many parts of the world this summer are a telltale sign

However big your boobs are, your sports bra could be holding you back from your fitness goals – if it’s uncomfortable, painful or doesn’t offer enough support. So, how can you find the perfect sports bra to help you feel and perform your best? “Finding the perfect sports bra is about enhancing performance and preventing common problems that athletes face,” says Juju Sheikh, founder of Cloud Nine Collective. “A well-designed sports bra can minimise bounce and provide the necessary support to keep you comfortable and focused on your game.” Consider size, support and impact Different-sized boobs will need varying degrees of support – but that’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a sport bra. Breast shape can also influence which bra is the best fit and style for you, as well as the impact level of the activities you’ll be doing. “Finding the right sports bra can be tricky and usually requires you to try a few different sizes and brands,” says Rebecca Carroll, a buyer for Runners Need. “The most important thing is ensuring that it fits you correctly, so that it offers enough comfort and support for your activity. “Sports bras offer three different levels of support: low, medium, and high impact. The type you need depends on your cup size and the type of exercise you do,” Carroll adds. “For those who have bigger busts, look for a sports bra which has supportive seams and underwire, to help maximise support and comfort.” Look at design features Sports bras come with a range of different design features too, which tend to correlate to the level of support they offer. This includes the fabrics, the straps, the cups, as well as how they do up/fasten or whether they’re an over-the-head crop top style. “I recommend looking for features like adjustable straps, underwire support, and breathable fabric,” says Sheikh. “Adjustable straps allow you to customise the fit according to your unique body shape and size. This ensures that the bra stays in place and provides the best support throughout your workout.” The way a bra does up will generally change how supportive it is. “Front zips can be a good thing,” says Martina Jurcova, product line manager for women’s apparel and accessories at ASICS. “They are certainly easier to put on and open again after a strenuous exercise. That said, they must have extremely secure closures and are not recommended for sports or exercises where the wearer is lying face down on an exercise mat.“Race backs are great, as they allow the maximums freedom of movement of the scapula [shoulder blade] and at the same time can give great support to the wearer,” Jurcova adds. “Dual clasp bras have the advantage that the wearer can decide for themselves if they like the feeling of a race back or not.” Match your bra with the activity Remember, the same sports bra may not be suitable for every activity. Even if you have a large bust, there are certain activities where you won’t want the restriction of a very high-impact bra. “Low-medium impact sports bras are good for activities like walking, yoga and strength training. They typically feature a cup-less design and restrict movement by compressing the bust tightly against the chest wall,” says Carroll. “However, for activities like running, you’re going to want a high-impact sports bra. These are made with a defined cup structure to encapsulate and provide high levels of support. Some high-impact bras will use a combination of both encapsulation and compression methods to maximise support.” Protect from chafe and blisters When doing an intense activity, perhaps running long distances or doing high-intensity interval training, it’s not unheard of for women to experience chafing or even blisters around the chest area. “To prevent chafing, you can apply petroleum jelly or chafe balms in areas susceptible to friction. This creates a barrier between your skin and clothing to reduce friction,” Carroll says. “Wearing well-fitting clothing, like your sports bra, will also have a big impact. Look for moisture-wicking materials,” she adds. “Generally, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can help draw the sweat away from your skin.”

Thailand’s economy expanded at a slower pace than forecast, as a slump in exports and a political impasse

Tech companies should help to reimburse the victims of social media purchase scams, bosses at Barclays have said. It comes as data from the bank revealed a jump in the number of social media scams affecting British shoppers. Purchase scams, where people buy good which never arrive or are not as advertised, now account for two thirds of all reported scams, according to the research. Barclays said that 88% of these scams, which cause victims to lose £1,000 on average, start on social media platforms. The bank has called for more to be done in order to prevent these scams, demanding further action from social media companies and politicians. It has called for a victim reimbursement fund to be financed by all firms whose systems and platforms are used to perpetrate scams, including tech companies and banks, as part of four recommendations. Currently victims are only reimbursed by funding from banks, Barclays said. The banking giant also called for the creation of a cross-Government group within the Home Office to deal with the issue in order to coordinate regulators, policy makers, industry groups, and companies across different sectors. The prevention of scams should also be made mandatory, particularly for tech companies, in a shift from current voluntary measures, it added. Barclays also urged the Government to make organisations publish their scams data in order to inform consumers of the risks involved in using their platforms. Matt Hammerstein, chief executive officer of Barclays UK, said: “With so much of everyone’s lives now being online, from staying connected with friends and family, to shopping, it’s important that people feel safe on the platforms they use. “Our data shows that tech platforms, particularly social media, are now the source of almost all scams. “However, there is no current legislative or regulatory framework obliging the tech sector to support the prevention of these crimes, as there rightly is for banks. “We can only drive back this epidemic, and protect UK competitiveness, by stopping scams at their source, preventing the flow of funds to organised crime.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hozier would consider striking over AI threat to music industry Snapchat experiences ‘temporary outage’ as My AI chatbot posts own Story Crime victims’ data revealed by two police forces in FoI responses