I had an abortion at the age of 27 years old. I was in a committed relationship. I had a full-time job working for a web development company. I lived alone and was fully able to support myself. I loved my partner, even. But I didn’t want to have a child. I still don’t want to have a child. I have never truthfully wanted to have a child. So I chose not to.
I feel so lucky that my experience wasn’t weighed down by protestors with signs or with negative opinions from my friends or family. My partner was supportive. We split the cost of the abortion. One of my best friends took me to the wonderful doctor. Afterward, we went shopping and then got pizza and watched Hitch while I dozed off from the medication.
I don’t mean to be flippant, but it was fine. I have had other medical experiences that have been much harder (and more expensive) for me, including getting a crown on my tooth. Abortion does not have to be a gigantic, weighted, emotional decision. I did not cry during it, and I’m a crier! I have never cried about it since, not once. As soon as I made the phone call, the stress and uncertainty I was feeling completely went away and I knew I was making the right decision.
I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I had chosen to have a child with a partner I knew I would not be with for very long. I have a lot of gratitude for the choices I am able to make right now because I am not a mother by force.
