I had always said, ‘if I ever get pregnant, there is no way I could have an abortion’. Now I know that no one can make that decision until they are face-to-face with a positive test. When I saw the two lines I felt an initial shock of complete numbness. Then, a wave of unexplainable fear, sadness and a strong sense of ‘I do not want this baby’.
For me, there was no decision to be made, I was going to have an abortion. I was 20 years old with dreams and goals of my own. I wouldn’t be able to give a child the life it deserves. This doesn’t mean I took the process lightly. I think every day about what could have been. Who would they be? What would they look like? But, I know that the path I chose was right for me.
One year on, having an abortion was the best decision. My abortion has provided me with immense pride, courage and bravery that I didn’t have before. I never thought that an abortion could be empowering, but it was exactly that. I chose myself and my happiness. My only regret is letting the receptionist at the clinic get away with calling me ‘uneducated’. Accidents happen, pregnancy is not a punishment for sex.
I want people to know that they are not alone. Abortion is normal. Abortion is healthcare.
