My name’s Lily, I’m 17 and I had an abortion 6 months ago (when I was 16).
When I found out I was pregnant my first thought was “It wasn’t meant to happen like this”. My life literally flashed before my eyes… I wanted to travel, I wanted to live life a bit. The guy I was sleeping with made it very clear he wouldn’t support me if I kept it – he already has a 2 year old boy.
The next 10 weeks were horrible… I was extremely sick… I lost 3 kilograms because I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t go to work… I wouldn’t even get out of bed. I was about 7 weeks along when I told my parents. They were pretty cool about it, they left the decision up to me. For a while I didn’t know what I was going to do. But inside I knew I couldn’t keep it – I don’t even like kids! I’m just not one of those kinds of people.
I felt some guilt, shame… that’s what society wants us to feel isn’t it? I know that the idea that a pregnancy is viable at such an early stage is silly, but it still got to me. I had a surgical abortion at 10 weeks – I live in Australia so I didn’t have to pay a cent. It was quick, and easier than I expected… I had the normal period-like cramps afterward, also my boobs swelled and I started to lactate a little – It went away in a few weeks time.
I later found out that the guy I was with was sleeping with other people while I was away; he also claimed he was “against” abortion. Despite this I felt so relieved. It was over. I could get on with my life. If I hadn’t had my abortion I may not have ever found out what a loser that guy really is… All in all it turned out to be a very positive experience.
Today I realized that I’m glad I had an abortion. I’m too young to have a kid. I don’t want a kid.
I’m not sorry.
