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 became pregnant while on birth control and that is what brought me to this decision. I am a full-time nursing student and want to fulfill my career goals. I am grateful for the freedom to make my own choices.
–submitted by Anna* through a member clinic
When I found out I was pregnanct a sick feeling went through my stomach. The world just stopped, and I felt so lost. I didn’t know what to do. The past couple of years have been really rough, and this didn’t help. I knew what my decision was going to be, but it was a hard decision to make. I love kids, and I can’t wait until I have my own. However, I would like to be married and in a stable environment, something that I do not have now. I found out how much this procedure was going to cost, and I felt like it was a lost cause. I barely had a penny to my name, and I just started a new job, so I wouldn’t get the money for a long time. In order to get the money, my ex-boyfriend had to ask his mom’s boyfriend’s mother, and that wasn’t enough. It was my turn to get the money, and fortunately I have friends that supported my decision, and agreed to help me. I am so happy that there are understanding people out there that understand and are supportive.
–submitted by Melanie* through a member clinic
Restrictions on federal funding for abortion care have severely restricted access to care for women who depend on the government for their health care.
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy