At the time of my abortion, I was 23 years old and a single parent of one child. My son was just over a year old at the time and he is the best thing to ever happen to me. I made the choice to have my son and I do not regret that decision at all. I have always been pro-choice and firmly support the right to choose.
My decision to have an abortion was not an easy one, but it was the only one I could make. Being a single parent requires enormous amounts of energy, dedication and (obviously) money. Being a college educated woman, I can support my one child. When I found out I was pregnant, I was filled with a gamut of emotions. Fear, anxiety and yes, happiness were all co-mingled. I was planning on continuing the pregnancy…until a doctor visit 6 weeks in.
The doctor heard two heartbeats and immediately whipped out the ultrasound gel and began that part of the exam. I was pregnant with twins. And that sealed my decision.
My first priority was (and is) providing a high quality of life for my child…the one that I already have. There was no way I could support three children on my own. I informed the doctor of my decision and she was very supportive.
Two weeks later I found myself at Planned Parenthood, waiting in a little room, rather like a changing room. All too soon it was my turn. I went into the room and lay down on the exam table. The room was dim and the doctor was down by my feet, a nurse by my side. She started an IV and other than Valium, I can’t remember what was in it. Over in the corner was a jar-shaped thing, covered with a tea-cozy like thing.
Everything went fine through the procedure. It wasn’t as painful as I had thought, just uncomfortable. The following days were fine as well. It’s now been 4 years and I have no regrets. Having an abortion was the best thing, not only for me, but for my child.
In case you were wondering…the father of my second pregnancy supported my decision fully.
I am thankful, every day that I had the freedom to choose what to do with my body. I hope with every fiber of my being that future generations of women will have the right to choose.
