Twelve weeks into my pregnancy I began bleeding and having complications. My OB/GYN put me on bed rest for two months and I went to the doctor’s office once a week to be monitored. I ended up having to go to a specialist who told me that my baby had no fluid to survive. Due to the risks associated, the doctor recommended that I terminate the pregnancy. I called several clinics and I was told the price of the abortion, which I thought would be impossible for me to come up with. The last clinic that I spoke with said that I might be eligible for funding because I had been out of work. I was so grateful to hear that I could get help.
–Submitted by Karrie Ann* through a member clinic
I had an abortion 32 years ago. When I had the abortion my goal was to get away from my abusive husband and get my life together. I also suffered from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which involves all kinds of fears including the fear of harming children.
Years after my abortion, I was driving to work and there was a huge billboard with a baby on it, which read, “CHOICE or CHILD”. The billboard stuck in my head and made me question whether I was a bad person for having an abortion. However, I know I am not and that I ended something so I wouldn’t have to bring a child into an abusive and unhealthy environment.
The so called pro-lifers, who are really just anti-choicers, caused me years of misery with their name calling, signs, and their ‘sanctity of life’ obsession. I am firmly pro-choice, and believe that forcing a girl or woman to carry an unwanted pregnancy is an act of violence. The stigma of abortion needs to be removed so that no woman ever feels ashamed of her choices. I hope my story will be able to help other young women.
–Submitted by Marliee* through our website
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 feature 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.