I had an abortion about 20 years ago. At the time, I thought I was in love with someone who was in another relationship. When I got pregnant, it was clear that neither of us wanted to have a child at that time and certainly not with each other. He was an old friend and promised to support me but when the time came he disappeared. I went to a medical office in NYC with a good friend. The doctor was kind and the nurse explained everything that would happen. I cried during the procedure but that was due to the medication (ketamine) not the abortion. Then and now I know it was the right choice. I went back to my friend’s apartment and was fine to go to work the next day.
Now, 20 years later, I have a partner and two very planned and wanted children. My life is in a better place than it was before and I am the kind of parent I want to be. That would not have been possible if I hadn’t gotten that abortion years ago. My current partner is aware about my reproductive past and understands the importance of giving people the right to choose and access to free and safe abortions.
When I was pregnant and waiting for the abortion appointment, the one or two people who told me about their abortions made all the difference in the world to me. I hope my stories and the others like them do the same.
