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 just want to start by saying, “Thank you.” If it wasn’t for the Hotline’s help, this would have never happened. I am 19 years old and I have two kids, a little girl that is two years old and a little boy that’s five months old. As you can see, I have my hands full at all times, and I can barely afford the two that I have now. It would have been really hard to have another. It hurts to do it, but I know it’s the best thing for my family. So thank you a lot for your help. It would have been really hard for me. I appreciate what the Hotline is doing for women like me, and I hope that it can help even more women.
–submitted by Jane* through a member clinic
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 at the age of 28. I am now 32 years of age, pregnant, and have a tumor growing in my uterus, and the doctors are concerned that it is cancerous. I have chosen to make this decision based on my health and the two boys that are already here that need me – alive! I have already given a baby up for adoption, so I know how that feels too. It wasn’t easy and neither is this decision. I did what’s best for my health and for my boys.
-submitted by Justine* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy