My story is short, and as sweet as it could be for me.

I was 19, had been on birth control for 4 years, and was in a long term committed relationship. I was also an active heroin addict, and my partner didn’t know. But when I found out I was pregnant, it wasn’t a question for either of us – I would have an abortion. My partner was by my side the whole time and the clinic had the most kind staff. My abortion was a difficult time, despite being an easy decision and process.

I left my partner a year and a half later to get myself clean, and I have now been clean for almost eight years. I truly believe that if I hadn’t had the access that I did, that I would be dead today- whether by accident or otherwise.

Access to safe abortion saves lives in more ways than some people can fathom.