My husband and I were devastated to learn that the child I was carrying might have mentally-incapacitating birth defects caused by a medication I’d been taking for anxiety. Although I welcomed motherhood, I felt it would be selfish to carry the pregnancy to term given the massive health risks involved. After some thought, I decided to make an appointment at a local abortion clinic.
After my abortion, I was comforted by the fact that I was doing the right thing. When I returned to the clinic two weeks later for my follow-up appointment, protesters were gathered outside. There were graphic images and no shortage of people who were all too eager to tell me that I was going to Hell. Honestly, none of this bothered me. I’m an adult, and I’m fully capable of making my own decisions. Moreover, I was confident in my choice and didn’t want or need anyone else’s approval.
However, when I entered the clinic I became enraged when I saw a young woman crying because the protesters had called her names like “slut” and “murderer.” How these people can believe that making this woman cry and feel awful will further their cause is beyond me.
When it gets to the point where people openly scream hideous insults at women, and where doctors can be shot to death in cold blood at their houses of worship, it’s time we reclaim our rights and our sanity. This “silent majority” balderdash has gone on for too long.
–Submitted by Henrietta* through our website
I was physically abused by someone who claimed to love me, which made it so hard for me to leave him. However, I feared for my life. When I found out that I was pregnant, the decision was easy—I could not bring a child into this situation. The NAF member clinic saved my life. Having this option made a world of difference. I owe you all so much. I will be forever grateful.
–Submitted by BJ* through a member clinic
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.