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 have been pro-choice for as long as I can remember, but I had always thought that if it came down to it, I would not choose abortion. That all changed in 2005. I was a single mother who just lost her job and found out that I was pregnant again. I could not think of bringing a child into this world when I could not provide for my existing child, and when I had to choose between feeding my five-year-old or myself, the choice was even clearer.
My experience at the clinic could not have been better, and the doctor and nurses were absolutely fantastic. I felt understood and supported in my decision and was talked through each and every step. I am pro-choice because I believe that anyone who does not feel that they could be a mother to their child for any reason, shouldn’t.
–Submitted by Darlene* through our website
Without the help of the clinic and the Hotline, I would have had to face a whole new journey that I am not ready for. I appreciate their support and willingness to accept my decision. Having a baby would have changed my life and I may not have been able to provide for my child. I am pro-choice because I feel that a woman should have a choice to have a baby or not, because a child should be cherished and given time and love no matter what.
–Submitted by Rachel* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy.