My boyfriend at the time, who I’d been with for 3 years cheated on me, about 8 months prior to getting pregnant. After he cheated on me I decided I didn’t want to be sexually involved with him anymore. That seemed to work out fine, but time went by and he started to get abusive. Not really physically, I mean there were a few shoves and grabs, but nothing too dramatic, just mostly name calling and putting me down. In May of 2003, my family had gone on vacation. I stayed home because I had to compete at a regional track meet. I had broken up with my boyfriend, and wanted nothing to do with him. He came over one afternoon to drop off a few things he had of mine. That’s when it happened. I wouldn’t call it rape, but I would call it forced. He had sex with me that I didn’t want, in my own house. I was disgusted, but that wasn’t the worst of it I wasn’t on my birth control anymore.

Three weeks went by and my period was supposed to come in two. It didn’t. I confided in my best friend and my sister. They both were there to support me no matter what the outcome was. My best and I went Wal-Mart, bought a pregnancy test along with a box of tampons. I’m not really sure why, but I still had hope that my period might come. I took the pregnancy test and 10 minutes later a positive sign appeared. I broke down. From that very moment I knew what I had to do.

I told the ex boyfriend that I was pregnant, with my head down the entire time. He had the nerve to call me a slut and tell me it was my fault and it wasn’t his. The next day was different, because he wanted to be involved, well only involved if I was going to keep it, which I had no intention in doing. I was 17, I was involved with lots of activities, and I wanted to go to college and get out of my small town.

So I did my research. I found that a minor in the state of Ohio could not get an abortion unless they were accompanied by an adult or got a Judicial Bypass. I couldn’t tell my family, I was there perfect daughter; I couldn’t disappoint them in this way. I made an appointment with a Planned Parenthood in Columbus, Ohio. This was about 40 minutes away from me. They were so helpful. Once at the clinic I had to go through exams to determine how far along I was, a blood test, and I had to listen to some pretty lame tapes about the decision I was making (these are enforced by law in Ohio). The Planned Parenthood gave me the information I needed to get a Judicial Bypass. I had to go in front of judge and declare that I was responsible enough to make this decision on my own. She agreed that I was responsible and mature enough.

Two days later the procedure was preformed. I arrived at the office, and there were protesters out front. That was awful. I still don’t’ understand what point they’re trying to get across, people walking into that office have already made up their minds. It’s been a long road traveled, and I know that I wasn’t about to let ignorant close minded people get in my way. My ex boyfriend came with me to drive me home, I regret confiding in him. He’s worthless and to this very day he still tells me how horrible I am. You know what, I know that my decision was right, and I’m not sorry. I’m proud of myself for having the courage to take care of my problem, that’s right, a problem all on my own. Having an abortion is one of the biggest decisions I’ve made in my life. Without it I would not be living in Las Vegas with my boyfriend that I met at college and I wouldn’t be experiencing all of the great things I have.

A year after the abortion, my mom found the paperwork. When I got home that year for Christmas break she asked me about it. She was proud of me for doing everything on my own, and for making the right decision.