We continue to mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, Dr. George Tiller. Dr. Tiller was a dedicated physician who provided quality abortion care to women, at great personal sacrifice and risk. He is truly a hero to his fellow abortion providers and his patients. Dr. Tiller’s office is filled with letters from women, thanking him for the excellent, compassionate care he provided. Many of these women say Dr. Tiller saved their lives.
Since his tragic death, we have received messages from some of his patients and from people around the world who are saddened and outraged. We feel it is important to share these words and tributes to our beloved colleague and friend. For the first time, we will enable comments on our blog so that all of you can share your condolences or offer memories of Dr. Tiller. We invite you to join us in honoring a true American hero, Dr. George Tiller.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I am pro-choice because being a feminist is one of the most fundamental pieces of who I am. I’m committed to fighting for policies that expand the possibilities of women’s choice. The Hotline has helped me to have my own choice, and for this I am very grateful. The clinic was the only place I contacted (and I contacted many!) where I found quality and care and I felt respected. Thank you. Both the Hotline and the clinic have made a huge difference.
--submitted by Jordan* through a member clinic
I have always been pro-choice, and I always kept myself informed as to what my options were when it came to reproductive health care. I never thought I would have to use the information on abortion until I found out I was pregnant.
I am a 22-year-old college student who lives at home with her parents. I work as a waitress and my boyfriend works at a grocery store and plans to go to graduate school. There is no way we could have supported a child.
From the time I found out I was pregnant to the time of the abortion, I threw up two to three times a day, every day. I hid my sickness from my parents and had to put on a happy face. It was so hard. I became depressed and frustrated because not only was I tired from being pregnant; I was also very weak from not being able to eat.
If my parents ever knew I had an abortion, they would kick me out of the house and disown me. They told me this when I was a teenager.
My boyfriend and I had only been going out for three months when we discovered we were pregnant. We both discussed our options and came to a conclusion quickly. Throughout the whole medical abortion, he was there every step of the way. We had to get a hotel room in order for me to have my medical abortion. With how sick and weak I was, there was no way I could have covered that up at my house or at his. I am so grateful to him.
It scares me to think that there are 70-year-old men over in Washington DC who I have never met before, and probably never will, that could have had the chance to decide my life's path, and not me. No complete stranger should be able to take away my education and the life I dream of.
I did it for my future. -- I did it because I was concerned that I would not be able to raise the child in the right way and give it everything it needed, and because as supportive as my boyfriend was, I did not know him well enough to ensure that we would be together forever.
There are days where I still sometimes feel sad, because this was not an easy decision. But in my heart I know I did the right thing.
Last weekend, all House Republicans except one, voted for an extreme anti-abortion amendment to health care reform, which would restrict insurance coverage of abortion. If the Stupak-Pitts Amendment is included in the final version of health care reform, women who get their health insurance through the Exchange could lose the opportunity to choose coverage for abortion care. Research shows that most typical employer-based plans currently cover abortions; so with the passage of Stupak-Pitts, millions of women could lose their access to safe, affordable abortion care.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
The clinic and the Hotline allowed me to make this decision truly on my own. The counseling really made me feel better about my decision. I am a full-time student close to graduation and having the procedure will help me achieve this. The entire staff was extremely helpful and made this day a lot easier to handle. Before today, I never imagined I would be here, but everyone here took a day that was really difficult to deal with and turned it into a day that was comfortable. They truly let me know that I wasn’t alone.
--submitted by Rebecca* through a member clinic
I am a single 28-year-old woman living in a homeless shelter. My primary source of income is a food stamp allowance of $200 a month, plus temporary work which is not steady. The Hotline and the clinic have really helped in making abortion accessible to low-income women who otherwise would’ve went through an unwanted and unplanned pregnancy. I have two children whom I cannot financially provide for the way that I should, and to have another would only complicate matters, as well as lessen the quality of life for both me and the child. My experience has been one of many lessons (prevention is worth an ounce of care). I am pro-choice because I believe in a quality of life for everyone involved.
This weekend, women’s access to reproductive health care was dealt a devastating blow when the House of Representatives passed an extreme anti-abortion amendment to health care reform.
It is inexcusable that anti-choice representatives are using this important opportunity to reform our country’s health care system to further restrict women’s access to reproductive health care, including abortion care.
The Stupak/Pitts Amendment would not only prohibit coverage for abortion in the new public option, but would take away women's ability to purchase coverage for abortion care with their own funds in the health insurance Exchange. This would result in millions of women losing health care benefits they have today, for while most typical employment-based health plans currently cover abortion, those plans would likely have to drop abortion care in order to compete in the insurance exchanges. In order for a woman to obtain coverage for abortion care, she would have to purchase a single-service rider. This system is extremely unworkable, because women do not plan to have a complicated pregnancy or need to obtain abortion care, and would therefore not purchase the rider.
Abortion care is basic health care for women and should not be treated differently from any other health service. It is unconscionable that women’s reproductive health is being used as a pawn in the health care reform debate. NAF calls on the Senate to stop these attacks on women’s health and ensure that women can access the comprehensive care they need, including abortion care.
Originally scheduled to go into effect on November 2, the notification law was delayed until November 4, following the Medical Disciplinary Board’s review. The next hearing about the law is scheduled for November 19.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I just wanted to say thanks for being there not only for me, but for all the other women in need of assistance. I greatly appreciate it, and I hope the Hotline continues to help those who are less fortunate.
--submitted by Molly* through a member clinic
I am pro-choice because every situation is different. I am currently a mother of two small children and I am unemployed. Realistically speaking, I cannot afford another child. In this tough economy, it is hard for me to be able to provide necessities for my children now. Although situations may change as far as employment, it would not be a smart decision for me to bring another child into my unstable world. I appreciate the fact that I can choose a better path for my kid’s future.
Yesterday, Newsweek.com featured an article about the efforts of abortion opponents to put “personhood” initiatives on ballots across the country. Led by the new anti-choice organization Personhood USA, these initiatives aim to revise state constitutions to define a fertilized egg as a person. Seven state-level groups are currently gathering signatures for 2010 ballots.
Appeals Court Strikes Down Pittsburgh Buffer Zone Ordinance
Friday, a federal appeals court struck down a Pittsburgh ordinance that created two types of buffer zones around abortion clinics. The ordinance banned protesters from coming within 15 feet of entrances, and also prohibited them from coming within eight feet of people entering and exiting clinics within a 100-foot buffer zone around clinic entrances. The court ruled that either zone, separately, could be legal, but in combination violated the free speech rights of protesters.
While parents rightly want to be involved in the decisions of their teenage daughters, good family communication cannot be legislated. Critics of the law note that most teenagers already involve their parents in their abortion decision, and that those who don’t often do so for compelling reasons such as incest or emotional or physical harm.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I am a young woman of 23. I’ve been married for three years and have two beautiful daughters under five years old. My family is my whole life, and I really do not know what I would do without them. I found out I was pregnant a short time ago and immediately knew we had a problem. My husband had just lost his job and we were slowly running out of money. We had just decided that we would have to move out of our home and in with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. We now have six people living in a three bedroom apartment, still struggling with some government help, but making it work the best we can. My husband and I feel this is not the time to bring a new life into the world. We feel the hardship mentally and financially would only hurt our family. Without your help, we would not have been able to make the best possible decision for our family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
--submitted by Betty* through a member clinic
My husband was arrested for domestic violence about three weeks ago. This is the first time in 12 years of being with him that I am finally free. I found out I was pregnant after he was arrested and I was so disappointed. He never let me take birth control, nor would he use any protection. We have two girls, and he felt I owed him a son. If I wanted to go on something, he’d accuse me of cheating. There is a no contact order for one year from his case, but I believe he’d try to violate that if he knew I was pregnant. This procedure will finally help me put an end to this extremely painful chapter in my life. With your help, I’m finally able to end the hurt. I’m very grateful. I get my life back.
Best of luck to you Andrea. Thank you for sharing your story. I am happy to hear that you will now be able to move into a happier chapter in your life! Be strong and know that your story inspires others to keep going.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I am a single mom who has been working diligently to provide for my daughter and get through school. I’ve always gotten by, but when a crisis comes up, it can be a challenge. I’ve had a lot of difficulty with birth control, including condoms. To know that someone cares enough to support me and others makes me feel a sense of relief. Thank you so much because now I know I can still survive and get the services I need to move on with my life with dignity.
--submitted by Christine* through a member clinic
My story is probably similar to many women in the world today. Being physically abused by someone who claims to love you can have a detrimental effect on your life. Because you love this person, it’s so hard to leave. I had to leave or I would probably be dead. Having the option to have an abortion made a world of difference. The clinic saved my life. I owe you all so much. I will be forever grateful.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I just want to say thank you because without your help, I wouldn’t know what to do. I am a single mother of three daughters who I love more than anything in this world, but I know that bringing another child into this world would not be the best thing for me at this time in my life. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but it makes it so much easier when you have someone to support you and the choice you’ve made. I know that the choice I have made is best for me. So again, I thank you for caring and understanding the decision that I made. Thank you.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I thank you very much for your help from the Hotline. I’m currently unemployed with four children and a grandson to support. I’m terminating this pregnancy due to my poor health. My heart can’t handle a pregnancy so I really am thankful for your help. During this difficult time in my life, any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
--submitted by Sylvia* through a member clinic
The clinic and your Hotline have helped me tremendously. The clinic employees have been very friendly. I am very early in my pregnancy, and have been taking my regular medications on a daily basis and have researched the effects those meds have on an unborn child. I am also a full-time student and unemployed. When I decide to have children I want the pregnancy to be planned and healthy so I am able to give my child everything and more than what it needs.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I have a three-year-old son. I am pro-choice because I have to take care of the son I have here on this earth. I am in school and I work full-time. It is hard enough finding affordable child care for him. This was a hard choice to make, but I am confident that I made the right one.
--submitted by Connie* through a member clinic
Your Hotline helped give me the freedom of choice, and the help to make my choice possible. With your help, I’m able to make the decision that is physically, emotionally, and mentally right for me in this period of my life. I believe we all have choices. It would be selfish to continue a pregnancy that I’m not prepared or ready for. I’m pro-choice for this reason. Thank you for your help!
--submitted by Kierra* through a member clinic
I appreciate the assistance I was provided in this desperate time. I am a single mother of three and am very concerned about how I could provide for another child. I am a student graduating in six months, and this is a big weight off my shoulders. Thanks a lot.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I was 27 and became pregnant as a result of a broken condom. I was relocating with no family support around me and had little money. The decision to have an abortion was not one I took lightly, but it wasn't the right time or situation to bring a child into the world.
Women do not make these decisions lightly; but it is our decision to make, and that is why I am pro-choice. We need to be informed, and have access to counseling and safe procedures.
--submitted by Suzanne* via our website
I have two kids at home and with another child, I wouldn’t be able to provide for them or give them the attention that they need and deserve. I am now going back to school and working part time, which I couldn’t do if I had to start preparing for a another child. I appreciate the chance to better my life. If you can’t take care of yourself, how can you provide for anyone else?
--submitted by Belinda* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
I'm in the same situation. It's VERY comforting to know we're not alone. Me must first take ourselves if we are to adequately take care of others. Good luck with your life!
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I am 26 years old, I have four children, and I’m in school. My partner just left me after we found out about the pregnancy. We already have one child together and he is not helping me at all. I’m being evicted and I have to get a second job in order to find a new home. If I were to continue with my pregnancy, my children and I would have nowhere to stay. Even though this is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, I thank you for the support and assistance.
--submitted by Trista* through a member clinic
I am currently unemployed and have no health insurance. If your organization wasn’t there for me, I don’t know what I would have done. My pregnancy was definitely unplanned. My boyfriend and I both agreed that right now would not be the best time to bring a child into the world. The NAF clinic helped me understand my options, and I am grateful for their understanding and non-judgmental advice. Thank you for understanding my situation.
--submitted by Brooke* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I'm a 21-year-old single mother of two, and without this decision I would more than likely have had to drop out of college to take care of my children. I feel that women have rights and should not be judged for their decisions.
--submitted by Alicia* through a member clinic
I had a surgical abortion in April. When I discovered I was pregnant, I visited a Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC). When I walked in, I was greeted warmly. They gave me a free ultrasound and seemed sweet and supportive. Then came the counseling session, during which I asked to be excused several times, and was told each time it was mandatory since they had given me an ultrasound for free. When I informed them of my decision to have an abortion, I was forced to watch a graphic video. I was suffering from morning sickness and I had to run out to vomit several times. They told me these were the consequences of sin. They warned me my fiance would never be able to look at me as anything other than the woman who killed his first child. I'll never forget the way I felt leaving the Crisis Pregnancy Center that day.
I later visited a reputable abortion provider. My state required my provider to warn me about the supposed physical and psychological effects of abortion. I felt no shame, guilt, or depression resulting from my abortion. However, the CPC I visited brought me untold shame, stress, and confusion. My state legislators should have saved their mandated warning for the CPC.
This official acceptance of the May 21 appeals court decision means that Dr. Morgentaler's lawsuit can move forward in court. He is suing the provincial government over its policy of only funding abortions if two physicians deem the procedure is medically necessary and if it is provided in a hospital. Abortion is a safe, legal, insured, and funded service in Canada, meaning that women should not have to pay for abortion care. New Brunswick is the only province to enforce these restrictive policies.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I am homeless with three kids already. I do not want to have another child without being able to care and provide for it.
--submitted by Alyssa* through a member clinic
When I found out I was five weeks pregnant, I had been sick with persistent pneumonia for months and my lungs were at risk of collapsing. I had half of the red blood cells I should have had and I had taken antibiotics known to cause birth defects. My mother was dying of bone cancer at the time and I couldn't have helped her and cared for an infant. I was working two jobs and enrolled full-time in college.
My fiance and I agreed together that abortion was the best option, and I had a medical abortion. The only unwanted effect I had was cramping, and I was able to rest at home during the process; it was nothing like the horror stories some people would like you to believe.
It has been over five years since the procedure and I have had no complications, physically or phsychologically, as a result of the abortion. I love my life and do not regret my decision.
Of all the myths about abortion, the ones that anger me the most are about the women who have them. We are portrayed as promiscuous, unintelligent, selfish, weak or child-hating. Those who oppose abortion would like people to believe that women either can't make a good choice or don't even deserve one. Nothing could be further from the truth.
--submitted by Sophia* via our website
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
As a mother of 3 beautiful children, who adores and loves children, I myself have had to make this decision on more than one occassion and it was also the choice of my partner's at the time, even as a Catholic. As I look back on what has happened, I am grateful I had the opportunity to make the choice I did. I was young and wanting a future in college and in the professional world in which I exist in today. My children have brought me more joy than anything else in this world. Women are smart and should be allowed to make personal choices for themselves and their furtures. We should never be controlled or held back from succeeding as individuals in this world. I will continue by fight against these irrational uncaring hardball militias who need to realize what DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is and the devistation it causes.
Judge to Hear Arguments in Case Challenging Oklahoma Ultrasound Law
This week, an Oklahoma County judge heard oral arguments in a legal challenge to a 2008 state law requiring women to undergo an ultrasound one hour prior to obtaining abortion care. The law also stipulates that women must listen to an explanation from the medical professional performing the ultrasound about what the image shows. In October, a temporary injunction was issued to prevent the law from going into effect on November 1. The injunction will remain in effect until the case is settled.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I was raped while serving in the Army in Iraq. My rapist is in jail. I am engaged and will be married in two months. Thanks to your organization, I won’t have to start my new life raising a criminal’s child.
--submitted by Analise* through a member clinic
Three months ago, I was laid off from my job of six years. Right now the income I have coming in the house is only enough to support myself and my children. I am not financially or emotionally prepared to handle another child. I believe that having an abortion is the best decision for me because I would never want to bring a child into the world that I couldn’t completely love and provide for.
In February 2008, the Oakland City Council unanimously passed the bubble zone ordinance, which allows patients and providers to enter and leave clinics free from harassment and intimidation while preserving free speech rights.
NAF Board Member Caitlin Borgmann, JD, is a featured guest columnist on the legal news and research site JURIST.
Borgmann writes that parental notification “laws like the one that will now be enforced in Illinois do nothing to help teenagers, while imposing traumatic hurdles, and sometimes grave danger, on those who lack loving and supportive parents to whom they can turn.”
While parents rightly want to be involved in the decisions of their teenage daughters, good family communication cannot be legislated. “Most states recognize that mandating parental involvement for sensitive medical treatment will have the hazardous drawback of deterring many minors from seeking care at all….Minors in most states can consent to services such as contraception, prenatal care, and treatment for sexually transmitted infection. In many states, minors can even relinquish their children for adoption and consent to medical care for their children. Parental involvement laws for abortion stand out as the glaring antithesis to this trend,” writes Borgmann.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
At 18, a student at the University of Chicago, I became pregnant. In that year, 1959, one had no option other than to bear the child or, alarmingly, have an illegal abortion. Having no means of support or family to sustain me, I was forced to choose the latter. I wish I could convey the chilling fear I felt. Having a back-alley abortion was a horrific experience, which I would not wish upon anybody.
Luckily, I was not permanently injured physically and was able to have two children when the circumstances were right.
I don't think today's young women have the foggiest idea of how vital it is that they have legal recourse to abortion if they wish. Perhaps my story will help enlighten them.
I've always felt the answer to the so-called Right to Lifers is very simple: if they make abortion illegal again, the very same number of women will continue having them, only many, many more deaths and permanent injury will result. It will change nothing to illegalize the procedure except to endanger thousands of lives.
--submitted by Janice* via our website
I am a single college student who is trying to break the cycle of having children young in my family. I heard about your Hotline from my very helpful counselor. You helped me out a great deal. So thank you very much for helping me access the abortion care I needed.
--submitted by Jocelyn* through a member clinic
--*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
Yesterday, the Senate started its formal debate on Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
The Supreme Court plays a critically important role in protecting a woman's right to safe and legal abortion care, and NAF has been closely following the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor over the past several weeks. When responding to questions from Senators, Judge Sotomayor consistently and correctly stated that Roe v. Wade is settled law and that the Constitution contains a right to privacy. However, Judge Sotomayor has never ruled directly on the issue of a woman's right to access abortion care, and the hearings did little to further illuminate her views on this issue.
It is expected the Senate will vote on this nomination before adjourning for the August recess.
Ohio Bill Would Require Consent From Men Before Abortion
This month, an Ohio state legislator introduced a bill, which would require written consent from a woman’s partner or the man involved with the pregnancy in order for her to obtain abortion care. If the man is unknown, this bill would force a woman to submit a list of possibilities, and her doctor would have to conduct paternity tests—at the woman’s expense—and then seek the man's permission prior to providing abortion care. In cases of rape or incest, proof via a court document, police report, or indictment would be required.
This bill would place substantial obstacles in the path of a woman attempting to access abortion care and is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has ruled that abortion restrictions must not place an "undue burden" on women seeking abortion care.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican John Adams, introduced similar legislation which died in committee in 2007.
When I hear that the US justice system is taking steps to make abortion less accessible I become outraged. I don't see how religious or personal beliefs against the procedure are justified in taking the right away. I do not advocate that abortion should become another form of birth control. But, when we are discussing such extreme cases as this article does, a woman should have the right to have a safe, legal abortion if she chooses. Personal beliefs are meant to govern personal actions, not monitor the behavior of everyone in a nation.
NAF member Red River Women’s Clinic in Fargo, ND has filed a lawsuit to block part of a new state law that requires providers to offer all patients the option to view an ultrasound image 24 hours prior to obtaining abortion care.
While a woman should have the option to view such an image, legislation mandating policies around ultrasounds is yet another intrusion by lawmakers into the doctor-patient relationship. The clinic, which has offered women the option to view an ultrasound for the past year, is concerned that the law’s unclear language will create additional barriers for women in need of care.
The clinic is asking the court to issue a temporary injunction preventing the law from taking effect on August 1 while the court reviews the legal challenge.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
I started having severe abdominal pain. I had many ultrasounds done and there was nothing the doctors could see that was wrong. When I found out I was pregnant the pain started to get worse. That’s when I had an internal ultrasound and doctors saw a tumor. The reason I needed this abortion was for my health and so I could take care of the tumor. It affected my school and work, and I needed to make sure I stayed on track with my life considering I am already a single parent. I would not have been able to do all this on my own so I am extremely grateful for help from the NAF Hotline.
--submitted by Nell* through a member clinic
I am a young single woman on my own. I have my own apartment with bills to pay and without your help I wouldn’t be able to go through with the abortion. With the tough times today it’s hard for anyone to make ends meet. I am pro-choice because I believe if you get pregnant you should be able to determine whether you are ready to have a child. I don’t want to bring a child into the world without knowing if I’ll be in a stable place to raise a child.
--submitted by Karly* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
Roeder entered a plea of not guilty. A trial date is scheduled for September 21, though murder trials are often continued to later dates. Roeder's bond will remain at $20 million.
Several NAF members were interviewed for the report, including members from Pennsylvania who are also featured in this video:
Recommendations made in the report include improving law enforcement response to clinic violence, enacting legislation to protect clinic access and ensure patient safety, expanding training opportunities, and increasing support within the medical community for providers.
We commend Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) for introducing legislation which includes programs and policies that take important steps to address women’s needs for access to reproductive health care. The Ryan-DeLauro bill expands access to family planning for low-income women, includes initiatives to reduce unintended pregnancies, and provides support services to women and couples who choose to carry a pregnancy to term.
While we applaud the provisions of the Ryan-DeLauro bill, it is imperative that women are also able to access the abortion care they need. Abortion is an integral component of comprehensive reproductive health care. Women facing an unintended pregnancy deserve to have the information and resources they need to make the choices that are right for them. NAF remains committed to working to ensure that abortion is safe, legal, and accessible to promote health and justice for women.
Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
At this time in my life I’m 25 with two young children under the age of two. I make a little above minimum wage and I am trying to make a decent life for my children. Money is tight and a third child would be too much for me as I am already a struggling single mother. NAF really saved me mentally and financially. Without your help I probably would not have been able to obtain this abortion. I am pro-choice because I feel as though there are times in a woman’s life when she is just not ready physically, mentally, or financially to have a child.
--submitted by Kennedy* through a member clinic
My family and I were going through a very difficult situation. We recently found out my daughter’s pregnancy had several severe and painful birth defects. We were referred to a clinic in Nebraska because the procedure could not be done in South Dakota. We felt this was just another blow. We would have to travel to an unfamiliar place with a doctor and nurses we did not know. Not to mention the financial aspect of it. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When we met the clinic staff everything changed for us. I have never met more caring and compassionate people in my life. The doctor and his whole staff showed us so much compassion and empathy. He was able to make my daughter feel better and give her a sense of peace. They are truly angels that work among us. Thank you.
--submitted by Anita* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Illinois Parental Notification Law
A U.S. Appeals Court ruled last week that an Illinois law requiring doctors to notify a parent or adult family member at least 48 hours prior to a minor obtaining abortion care is constitutional. The three-judge panel found that state Supreme Court rules, which establish judicial procedures for an expedited bypass hearing, satisfy minors’ constitutional rights to the procedure.
For a pregnant teen to use judicial bypass, she must not only find a judge, she must work her way through a confusing legal system and face intense and sometimes judgmental questioning. Judicial bypass can be an intimidating process that can cause delays in care, and put a young woman’s health at risk.
“This decision…creates unnecessary, dangerous hurdles to accessing essential health care for young women,” said Lorie Chaiten, director of the Reproductive Rights Project of the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. >Learn about parental involvement bills in the states.
U.S. House of Representatives Lifts DC Abortion Ban
Yesterday, we released the following statement commending the U.S. House of Representatives for lifting a longstanding ban that prohibits DC from using its locally raised revenue to help low-income women obtain the abortion care they need:
This prohibition interfered with the rights of DC residents and has effectively prevented the DC government from assessing and meeting the needs of its community. We are pleased that the House has removed this discriminatory policy, which has for far too long interfered with DC women’s ability to access safe, legal abortion care.
Since 1977, the Hyde Amendment has prohibited the use of federal Medicaid funds to pay for medically necessary abortion care for most low-income women, except in very limited circumstances. Although states may use non-federal funds to pay for abortion care, since 1988 Congress has restricted DC from using its own locally raised funds to provide abortion care to low-income women.
President Obama’s FY 2010 Budget called on Congress to lift the ban on the District’s use of locally raised funds for abortion care. We urge the Senate to join the House in taking action to end this discriminatory policy.
On Monday, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R) approved a measure establishing new mandates and restrictions on abortion in the state. One of the provisions requires that all women wait 24 hours after receiving state-mandated information to obtain abortion care. This type of biased counseling legislation is medically unnecessary and does not respect women. Abortion providers already provide women with the accurate medical information they need to make fully informed decisions.
The bill also toughens an existing parental consent law to now require minors to obtain written, notarized consent from a parent or guardian before obtaining abortion care, and allows for pharmacists and other health care professionals to refuse to distribute emergency contraception on moral or religious grounds.
Governor Brewer’s actions are in stark contrast to those of her predecessor, former Governor Janet Napolitano (D), who vetoed all legislation that would have restricted abortion during her six-year tenure as governor. Napolitano was appointed U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in January.
