My name is Amy, and I am 31 years old. I have always been rabidly pro-choice. A friend of mine got pregnant due to date rape at the age of 15. I went with her to terminate the pregnancy. I was shoved, spit at, and called a whore outside the clinic. From that moment I decided to do everything I could to make sure our right to choose was protected. I just never thought I would need that choice myself, so many years later.
My ex-husband moved me to another state where I had no friends or family. I worked two jobs to put him through school. He cheated on me and left me in financial ruin. During this time I met a wonderful man, Mike, who lived out of state. During one of his trips to see me, my Depo failed, and I got pregnant.
I was going through a divorce, and my ex left me with nothing. I had five dollars in my checking account. I was on anti-depressants, and could barely find a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Mike lived 2000 miles away. Mike said he would support me in whatever decision I made, but he felt the same way I did. It would not be responsible for me to bring a child into the world with my financial situation, and emotional issues at the time.
I had the abortion on August 19, 1999. Mike flew out to be with me. He stayed with me for a week and comforted me.
It is now May 3, 2005. Mike and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary in March.
Our son was born on February 20, 2001. We wanted this child more than anything. We were ready for it then, financially and emotionally. He is the most wonderful thing in my life.
If I had not been able to make the decision to terminate my first pregnancy, Mike and my son might not be here right now. I am so glad I was able to decide what to do with my own body. I will fight until my dying day to make sure it stays that way.
