I am a single mother of six children, struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, I have spinal injuries that have worsened since my last pregnancy. I am not sure what will happen if I carry this pregnancy to term because I am in need of another surgery. I have to stay healthy to support the children I have now. If this choice wasn’t available, I’m not sure what would happen to our family. Thanks so much for your help.
Love,
The seven of us
–Submitted by Veronica* through a member clinic
This pregnancy was a shock to me. Throughout my life I’ve been very careful about my reproductive choices. I have only ever had one partner, we used protection, and I took the morning after pill when I thought the protection we used failed. When I realized that I was late, I felt scared and alone. I’m struggling through school, my parents help emotionally but not financially, and the man that I’m involved with, while a great friend, is unstable. I’ve always believed that women should have the right to choose, although I didn’t think I supported the cause. Now that I realize how easily this can happen—even when being responsible—it is a comfort to know that I have options. Although this was a hard decision, I’m thankful I have the choice.
–Submitted by Billie* 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.