I had an abortion when I was 15 years old. After my abortion, I went to college, served in AmeriCorps, worked with at-risk teens, traveled the globe, and left the country to work with youth abroad. My life has been so full and so beautiful, and I am fortunate to have been able to make all of my choices, to have followed every one of my dreams. I did not allow myself to be trapped by an unwanted pregnancy before I was even old enough to take care of myself, and that choice was the foundation for all of the rest.
1997
grateful, fortunate, committed
I had a twilight procedure at the Bread & Roses Woman's Health Center in Clearwater, Florida. Everyone was kind to me, from the waiting room to the recovery room. The procedure itself was painless, and a nurse held my hand through everything.
I was fifteen years old. I didn't want to be a mother while I was still a child.
How did other people react to your abortion?
My family was disappointed that I was pregnant, but they supported my abortion. My boyfriend's family did as well. I think they were all a bit relieved. Teen parenting is hard on young mothers and new grandparents alike.