I was earning $5 an hour – a wage that barely kept me clothed, housed, and fed. I had no health insurance and no family to help. It was impossible for me to imagine how I could raise and support a child when caring for an infant would prevent me from being able to work. There was no job available to me that would have covered childcare, in addition to living, expenses, plus medical expenses… How would we survive? It was a difficult decision, but I terminated my pregnancy at the earliest possible date. Without the additional financial, emotional, and time pressures of parenthood, I was able to make a lot of (albeit, slow) progress on bettering myself. Six years later, I was in a much better external and internal environment. I had a true partner and my wounds were much further healed. Together, we have two beautiful children.
Your Stories
I was assaulted by my boyfriend. He was about ten years older than me. I was so scared I almost died by poisoning myself; I was trying to give myself an abortion by drinking a very toxic plant. I am so thankful I finally went to Planned Parenthood and was able to get an abortion by the pill method. I do not regret getting an abortion at all; it was the best thing I could have done for myself.
Kathryn
I had an abortion when I was 19 years old. I am not ashamed or apologetic or confused. I do feel sadness for the girl I was; for I was very much alone and afraid.
Anna
I was 30 years old, married, and undergoing cancer treatment when my oral birth control failed. The doctor hadn’t warned me the medications would reduce the effectiveness of contraception. To continue the pregnancy would mean I’d have to stop my cancer treatment. There was no way to know the fetus had not already been harmed by the chemotherapy and other drugs. When I had an abortion, it really wasn’t much of a choice at all, but I’m glad it was an option because it was the choice that probably saved my life.
Anonymous
I got pregnant when I was 15 years old, and I knew I did not want to be a mother. Fortunately, I lived in Florida during a time when a young woman could make her own choices without interference from parents, pro-lifers or lawmakers. I paid for and got an abortion. It did not hurt, and I healed quickly and completely. I have never once regretted my decision or felt guilty for having an abortion. The choice was mine, and I made the right one. If only every woman had the same rights and freedom I enjoyed.
Heather
I was 25 and newly engaged. I’d been divorced from my four-year old daughter’s abusive father for 2 years. My daughter was already dealing with so much change in her life. My ex-husband had not revealed his controlling nature until we became engaged and after I discovered I was pregnant. I refused to potentially put myself (and now my daughter) in that kind of situation again. The timing wasn’t right for anyone in our family. Because of my abortion ten years ago, we have the family that we want today – children that we are able to parent, provide for, spend time with and nurture to the best of our ability, with adequate resources.
Leilani
I went to my first trimester screen at 14 weeks, and was devastated to find out that my fetus had a 9mm nuchal fold, or a cystic hygroma, strongly suggestive of Turner’s syndrome. My husband and I were crushed with this news. I was up for several nights, weighing my options, and finally decided to have the pregnancy terminated. After I had the abortion, my total bill come to approximately $10,000. This included the hospital bills, OB/GYN and anesthesia charges, genetic testing to confirm Turner’s syndrome, pathologist fees, and lab tests. Because I was a federal employee, and because of the Hyde Amendment, my federal insurance plan was banned from paying any part of my abortion. I understand that having a child is expensive, but the fact that men in Congress, who have no empathy or anyone but themselves, can tell me that my abortion was done for unethical reasons, is a profound insult. I decided to have this abortion precisely for ethical (and health) reasons.
Anonymous
My husband and I had been married for just six months when I found out I was pregnant. He was in grad school and working part time; I was working full time. We were pulling in enough money to keep ourselves afloat, but not enough to add another member to the family. I knew immediately that I wanted to have an abortion, and my husband supported me all the way. My state requires “transvaginal ultrasounds” prior to abortion, and that was fairly upsetting, as it’s intended to be, I’m sure.By the time I was being put under I had worked myself into a panic. But then I woke up. Calm, relieved. It’s been three years now, and I have completely come to terms with my choice. It was the right thing for me and my husband, and for our marriage.
Emily
My husband and I were pretty poor and I was still in recovery from a medically dangerous pregnancy. I remember reading the little test strip and falling to the bathroom floor screaming. My husband was scared. “We’ll do whatever you decide,” he said, but I knew how scared he was.We went to the Planned Parenthood clinic in the next town over. The people there were like angels. They were kind, and serious and careful and gentle. They listened to you, and believed what you said. I remember saying to them, “You are saving my family.”
Anonymous
I was in a committed relationship and I loved my partner — now, we are married and the parents of a beautiful 19 month old boy. But five years ago, I knew I wasn’t ready to be a mother. I believed then, and I still do, that bringing a child into the world is a tremendous, unspeakably important act that requires incredible will and love and intention. I didn’t feel ready to commit myself fully to that act five years ago, and I was afraid that doing so without full commitment or will would damage my relationship with both my partner and the child we would bring into the world. So I opted to end the pregnancy.