I was in an abusive relationship at the time and I was also on serious psychiatric meds that would cause birth defects. I would need to stop taking them, which would result in a mental health crisis. I had no hesitation, second guesses or fear about having an abortion. I felt nothing but pure relief and joy after, despite being fired from my job for taking time off to recover. My abortion was necessary but I never wanted to have one again.
So after leaving the relationship, a couple years later I decided to have surgical sterilization and I think it was the best decision of my life. I no longer have nightmares about what would happen if I lost access to abortion. But I will forever continue to support abortion as vital.
