I badly wanted a second child and became pregnant at the first opportunity. Things seemed normal, as with my first who is now 4, until the 20 week scan. I went into the ultrasound thinking I would learn the sex of my baby and continue planning a new future for my family and left wondering if I would ever meet this baby. The doctor noticed multiple anomalies usually indicative of genetic defects. More ultrasounds and testing at a bigger facility still led to a fatal or deeply life-limiting prognosis. In Michigan, termination can be done until 24 weeks.
At 23 weeks, on April 13, 2022 I released my baby from pain, from a short life of suffering, and I still grieve my loss. Knowing that I could have been left without that choice gives me chills. Every single healthcare provider and abortion clinic staff was supportive, compassionate, and knowledgeable at every step of the process of my termination for medical reasons (TFMR). Though I grieve the loss, I will never regret my decision and I will never stop fighting for all pregnant people to have autonomy over their bodies.
Thank you for all that you do SYA.
