I had my abortion just this month, actually. I think it’s still weird for me to look back on it because it is a situation I never thought I would be in. I’ve always been pro-choice, but I’ve also always used a condom, so I didn’t think I could get into that situation. I’m 20 years old and in a healthy relationship. I’m also a sophomore in college living off of financial aid and money saved up from working over the summer, so my boyfriend and I knew immediately that we could not have a baby.
My period was a week late, which wasn’t terribly unusual because my period had been irregular the past couple months. I had thought about getting on birth control to regulate it, but never got around to it. However, I began feeling sort of sick…I could tell something wasn’t right. I didn’t really think I was pregnant, but I decided to take a home test anyway. When two lines came up instead of one, I didn’t know what to do. My boyfriend was at work, and I nearly pulled my hair out waiting on him to get off. Telling him the news was very difficult because I didn’t know how he would react. He was shocked, especially since we had been careful, but he comforted me and we discussed what we had to do.
I felt very uneducated. Condoms don’t have a large failure rate, but I think I honestly believed that if I used one, it would be impossible for me to get pregnant.
I went to the clinic, and they did another test which came up positive. I was five weeks even. I was scared out of my mind, but the people at the clinic were very warm and understanding. They made sure I understood the procedure, and that I was comfortable with all aspects of it. Also, my boyfriend came with me on every trip and we split the cost. I decided to go with the medical abortion, and I’m glad I did. I had the ability to be in the comfort of my own home (with hot tea and Aleve) while the procedure took place. I had tried to do research about what to expect on the web and found anti-choice propaganda saying medical abortions were deadly and painful and unhealthy. Granted, it didn’t feel wonderful, it was basically like a period with more painful cramps that lasted a few hours, and I don’t believe I was ever in danger. The medical option is a less invasive procedure that is safe and effective.
I do not regret my decision at all. I do want to have a child one day, but not at the age of 20. I want to make sure I’m in a stable environment with good financial standing before I bring a life into this world. I am also now on the pill, but still using condoms as well. I am so glad that I live in a country where I have reproductive freedoms and I will do anything I must to make sure those freedoms always exist for every woman.
