Three years ago, I fell ill. I went from doctor to doctor and finally I hit a brick wall. I had several tests done, however the doctors could not find one illness. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I’m 29 years old and married with two lovely children from a previous relationship. My husband and I wanted a child of our own but knew my health wasn’t stable. Last December, I was laid off due to health issues. Then my husband was laid off as well. We were careful not to become pregnant but the contraception that we were using was not as reliable as we thought. In America we are all given the right to choose. I chose to end this pregnancy for many reasons and I’m thankful I had the right. I’m also very thankful for the help that NAF and its member clinic gave my family.
–Submitted by Malia* through a member clinic
Growing up, I was extremely anti-choice. Like many women, I thought I would find someone who I could build my life with. I was wrong. The man that I was involved with didn’t want anything to do with me after I found out I was pregnant. I have three wonderful children already and I am not financially able to have another child. Did I do the right thing in choosing abortion? Yes, and I do not regret having the procedure. Why am I pro-choice? After having this done, I did a lot of thinking and I realized that every woman has the right to choose what’s best for her and her family. I believe every woman has the right to choose.
–Submitted by Miranda* 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.