K

I was extremely lucky to find a safe place for my abortion.

2007 Philippijnen

bang stom zeker angstig verdrietig

in een kliniek of ziekenhuis met chirurgie (zuigcurretage)

I had been to several OB-GYNs in hospitals. I told them I didn't want to and could not have a child but of course, they couldn't do anything because of the law here. Finally, at around 7 wks, I went to an NGO with a couple of female relatives. I felt extremely lucky because one of my relatives works in women's rights so we were able to go to an NGO with a real doctor and a counselor who interviewed me to make sure I was firm in my decision. They made me feel like they understood my predicament as I was young and very incapable of having a child. It's still highly illegal in this country so they were all understandably cautious and destroyed my ultrasound pictures and records. The procedure itself hurt and lasted maybe 20 minutes. I wasn't under general anesthesia but the nurses held my hand and told me to breathe. It felt good having all these women surrounding me. Afterwards, I was able to rest for a while in a lying-in room. My relationship with the father was no good though it lasted a couple more years (covertly) after my abortion. I'm happy I had it and I have no regrets over having it done. I only wish I could have spared my family the heartache and trouble.

mijn leeftijd (te jong of te oud) problemen met mijn partner mijn persoonlijke reden waarom in geen kind wilde

Had de illegaliteit van je abortus invloed op je gevoelens?

Yes. I carried a lot of anger and guilt over it because I didn't feel it was fair that only a few people could afford or even find a safe place to carry out their abortion. And I was one of those few.

Hoe reageerden andere mensen op je abortus?

People were supportive/indifferent/sad. Only a few knew because it's illegal here

illegaal

geen