Yesterday was the tenth anniversary of the FDA’s approval of mifepristone for early medical abortion. In honor of the anniversary, we are sharing the stories of two women who chose medical abortion to end an unwanted pregnancy.
When I found out I was five weeks pregnant, I had been sick with persistent pneumonia for months and my lungs were at risk of collapsing. I had half of the red blood cells I should have had and I had taken medication known to cause birth defects. My mother was dying of bone cancer at the time and I couldn’t have helped her and cared for an infant. I was working two jobs and enrolled full-time in college.
My fiancé and I agreed together that abortion was the best option, and I had a medical abortion. The only unwanted effect I had was cramping, and I was able to rest at home during the process; it was nothing like the horror stories some people would like you to believe.
It has been over five years since the procedure and I have had no complications, physically or psychologically, as a result of the abortion. I love my life and do not regret my decision.
Of all the myths about abortion, the ones that anger me the most are about the women who have them. We are portrayed as promiscuous, unintelligent, selfish, weak or child-hating. Those who oppose abortion would like people to believe that women either can’t make a good choice or don’t even deserve one. Nothing could be further from the truth.
–submitted by Sophia* via our website
After a lengthy separation and amiable divorce, I met a wonderful man. We moved in together, and proceeded to live a rather full and loving life. We’d been careful, and when the condom slipped I picked up Plan-B.
I was one of the small percentage of women for whom Plan B doesn’t work. Why and how, we’re still not certain; I suppose it’s just one of those unexplainable things.
My partner had decided long ago not to have children. He has a form of muscular dystrophy, and did not want his children to have to suffer from this disease as he has. I respected that completely, as I’d long before decided not to have any more children.
It wasn’t an easy decision. But it was, I believe, the only one I had. I made the choice, and my partner stood with me. And thank goodness, we had the ability to make the choice!
I opted for a medical abortion; I could be home and comfortable. He went with me to the clinic, and stayed with me as I aborted here at home. I had a lovely clinic, full of beautifully souled women so full of support and love, and a partner who was right there with me.
I live in a city full of very religious people. To our surprise we weren’t inundated with picketers, and honestly if we had been, I probably would have been unwise and said something rude back to them. But my clinic was so wonderful. The ladies were like a huge loving hug for both of us.
When the time comes, if my daughter needs to make this choice, I want her to be able to do so. I’ve been a pro-choicer for years now, one of those letter writers, phone callers, and general rabble-rousers (even before she was born). If I can give a huge hug to a woman in my position, like those ladies did for us, I will, even if that hug is just her knowing she’s supported by someone, somewhere.
–Submitted by Elizabeth* through our website