I discovered I was pregnant at the beginning of September, 3 weeks before my 21st birthday. I had been taking the pill and having monogamous sex with my boyfriend of a year. I never thought this could happen to me, I'd done all the things I was taught to do to avoid pregnancy. I was scared when I went to the University Health Center for a pregnancy test, I sensed I was pregnant but hoped that maybe it was a fluke and maybe I had a infection or some hormonal imbalance. The test confirmed my fears--I was pregnant. All the questions the nurse asked me blurred as I started to shiver. I knew at that moment that I was not going to have a child. There was no way. I am a senior in College. I can hardly afford to pay my rent and for books. I cannot support a child; I do not want to be a mother. I was told that I was required to meet with a representative from Planned Parenthood to discuss my options. I made an appointment for that afternoon and went home. My boyfriend was surprised to see me as I was supposed to be at class, but he knew by the look on my face that something was wrong. Thankfully he was extremely supportive. He didn't try to influence me, but was relieved when I told him I had already decided to terminate. Because I have always had regular periods the nurse at Planned Parenthood told me that I could be up to 9 weeks pregnant. Fortunately this was a miscalculation and I was only at 4 weeks. When I was told my options for termination I chose the medical abortion, which only required me to take an oral medication and a vaginal medication, and I could terminate at home. When I heard the cost I was horrified. It was well over $400. Again I was saved by my insurance, which covered 100% of the cost for the visit and the medication, and follow-up exam. The experience was frightening, but the nurses were very kind and supportive. My boyfriend was an absolute saint and stayed by me as the termination took place in my body. I consider myself lucky to have been able to access a clinic with judgement or harassment and terminate my pregnancy to get on with my life. I have never once regretted my decision and I think that sites like this one are a blessing to those of us who had to make a difficult choice.
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