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 was in an abusive relationship when I found out that I was pregnant. I was scared and confused. The abuse got worse and I needed a way out. I decided to seek abortion care and feel as though it was the day that I was saved. I am not heartless. It was a difficult decision but today my life is amazing. I have found the love of my life, my best friend, and the person who has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. I will someday have children, but I will always remember my first pregnancy as a life lesson.
–Submitted by Ainsley* through our website
I came home from the Army pregnant, scared, and alone. I went to live with my mother and two siblings in a crowded three bedroom apartment in central Minnesota After much thought, I decided that an abortion would be the best choice. I wasn’t prepared to become a parent. It was just not the right time in my life. I didn’t want to raise a child poor and on welfare as I was. Adoption was out of the question because I could never put myself through that. Within a couple days I made an appointment to have the abortion. The procedure went fine. I felt elated and like a heavy rock was lifted off my shoulders.
–Submitted by Tabatha* through our website