Meaghan
I want to change the world.
2014 United States
It was hard at first- I struggled with my faith and my conservative Roman Catholic upbringing. I found an amazing therapist and worked through my issues, and rose above it all. My abortion was the best decision I have ever made (and I have made a lot of good decisions) and I thank God every day that I was able to make this decision for myself.
I definitely freaked myself out by reading countless horror stories on the internet, mostly published by so-called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers". But it was much easier and less painful than I had imagined, and I really wish I would have come across this website before my abortion to calm my nerves. There was some cramping, pretty light bleeding (less then my usual period), and nausea- but I honestly think it was mostly nerves.
I have a long list of dreams and goals to accomplish before I even start thinking about having children. Who has time for motherhood when you're trying to change the world?
Did the illegality of your abortion affect your feelings?
My abortion was legal- I live in New York, one of the most "liberal" states when it comes to abortion. I had never given much thought to the legality of abortion before I found myself in a situation needing one, and my experience has really opened my eyes and lit a fire deep within my soul. Every single woman has the right to access safe, legal, and affordable abortion care- and I will spend my entire life fighting for that right.
How did other people react to your abortion?
I am so incredibly lucky to have a supportive network of friends, co-workers, fellow interns, and doctors. Everyone that knows about my abortion (which is actually a lot of people, now that I think of it...) was super supportive, caring, and reassuring.