My husband and I had been married for over a year, and I had just given birth 3 months before. I couldn’t be pregnant, but I knew I was. I felt like it was all my fault for not being more cautious, and I resented my body. After speaking to my husband, we agreed that an abortion was right for me. I remember taking my infant with me to the first appointment and having every eye in the room on me. I felt like it was a judgement, but now I realize that it may have been an understanding from some. At the end of the appointment, the medical assistant informed me that I could not bring my infant on the day that I received my pills to abort. I was embarrassed to have had to bring him anyway, so I assured her that he would be staying at home with his father. Everything worked out as it was supposed to.

I tell my story to express support to the individuals that are/were already parents at the time of their abortion. You have nothing to feel shame about. You have nothing to apologize for. You should feel empowered and thankful to have the opportunity to make this choice. There are individuals everywhere that stand with you in your choice. Having an abortion does not mean you don’t love the lives you have already brought into this world. For me, it meant giving my infant son a better life with more affection, attention, and stability.