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 chose to have this abortion because I already have a five-month-old daughter at home. I love her more than anything and I’m trying to get myself through school right now to give her the life she deserves. Her father and I are just not ready to support another baby. The help I got from the Hotline has really helped me out. I appreciate it so much. Thank you!
–Submitted by Catherine* through a member clinic
When I was 19 I got pregnant. I was too young, too financially unstable, too irresponsible, and overall too ill-prepared for parenthood. I owed it to myself to make sure I that I created a future for myself before I could take on the responsibility of anyone else.
Now, ten years later I find myself with another unwanted pregnancy. I am just beginning my career as a writer, my daughter has only just turned one year old, and my husband and I are in the midst of a custody battle for his son.
I am having another abortion, and I don’t want to feel like it’s a dirty little secret. Both times I made a responsible decision, and I don’t want to be shamed into a closet. I refuse to keep silent any further. Thank you for letting me share my story with you.
–Submitted by Trudy* through our website
*Names changed to protect patient privacy