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 30 years old and I have three handsome boys. I am struggling every day to take care of their very basic needs. I am not working and I only receive financial support from the father of my two oldest children. I had been beaten by my youngest son’s father for five long years. He took everything from me and left me at rock bottom. I finally got the courage to leave him and met what I thought was a great man. When I found out I was pregnant, he began to be abusive as well. I can’t financially support myself and my three children – let alone another one. If it weren’t for the support I received from NAF I don’t believe that I could have made it through this. Thank you for being there in my time of need.
–Submitted by Anya through a member clinic
I was on the pill when I found out that I was pregnant. I always considered myself to be fairly responsible with my birth control, but when I started having pregnancy symptoms, I honestly did not believe that I was pregnant. But I was.
I was in a committed relationship but knew I was not ready—emotionally or financially—to be a parent. I look forward to being a parent someday, but I want to give my children the best foundation and future possible. To me, this meant first finishing my college education and joining the workforce.
I have respect for those who choose not to have an abortion because that is their right. However it is also my right to choose to have one. It is a very personal choice and a choice that should be up to each woman individually. I did not plan to have an abortion, but I felt fortunate to have the option. I do not regret my decision, and when I am ready I look forward to being the best parent possible.
–Submitted by Cali through our website