I’ve had the privilege of living in states where abortion providers were easy to access and was so very lucky to be able to afford the $600-800 for each abortion I received.
No, I didn’t use abortion as birth control. I was just in several shitty circumstances in which I got pregnant, knew I wouldn’t be able to provide for this child if I carried to term nor would I be able to carry to term to give a child up for adoption and continue to work.
I always opted for the ‘twilight sedation’ aka light anesthesia and don’t remember much. At one clinic I visited in Chicago, if you choose anesthesia you have to have a companion to come with you, wait through the whole process then help you outside the doors of the Planned Parenthood.
I had no one. Literally NO ONE to accompany me. I put an ad on Craigslist and by some miracle a soft spoken, sweet woman answered and said she’d come with me. I remember she was so sad for me that I didn’t have a friend. I just needed someone, anyone to sit in a waiting room. I offered money but she refused. I remember she was knitting when I came out. I went to get on the Redline but she paid for a cab to take me home. I never got her name.
Abortions are necessary for woman who chose to terminate because of a health issue or for a woman that’s a sex worker and needs one to keep working. It’s for everyone and it should be. ALWAYS.
Remember that our stories are ours to tell. We’d love to hear your story too!