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 19 years old when I found out I was pregnant. I was a drug user and I often drank. Right when I found out, the only word that can describe how I felt was panic. When my boyfriend and I went to the clinic in North Carolina, a bunch of pro-life people yelled and said horrible things to us – I can’t ever repeat the names I was called. I stumbled into the clinic crying and scared, and I got an ultrasound. I was further along than I thought – I thought I hadn’t gotten my period because I had stopped eating and I thought the throwing up was because of the amount of pain pills (my drug of choice) I was taking. A nice, gentle woman told me I could get an abortion at a clinic in another state. I told her I needed a moment to think, and as I stood outside, crying and calling my mom (who supported me fully), some of the protesters started yelling at me again. The doctor came and took me inside, and she actually held me and talked to my mom while I cried. She gave me a referral to the clinic, and I called and made an appointment on my way back home.
I am so grateful to the doctors that took care of me, and the Hotline. I know in my heart that I made the right choice. I am also proud to say that after the abortion that I quit using drugs. I am now 11 months sober. I am so grateful to the wonderful people at the Hotline and the clinic. Thank you, oh thank you so much.
–Submitted by Kaitlyn* through our website
*Name has been changed to protect patient privacy