Serena
I had an abortion
1993 Argentina
I felt very lonely, guilty, trapped and extremely stupid for getting pregnant. I was too young, studying, just broken up with that boyfriend. I carried the guilt and shame for over 20 years, didn't talk about till now in my 40s, have suffered depression because I couldn't deal with it. I wish these pills or information had been available to me. I wouldn't have suffered so much. It is only now that I realise how often women go through it, how it is my right and my choice. I don't regret my abortion at all. Now I have an education, degrees, a job and a beautiful family.
It was an illegal clinic but at least there were proper doctors performing it. I had no complications but huge emotional scars.
Ngaba ukungabikho mthethweni kokuqhomfa kwakho kuchaphazele iimvakalelo zakho?
Yes. Of course, my guilt was unbearable. I felt like a criminal and had no way to share my burden.
Benze ntoni abanye abantu xa ukhupha isisu?
I didn't really talk about it at the time. Both of my closest friends were supportive. Both were medical students. Another friend was against it and preached on on.
Won’t be named Won’t be named
I had an abortion a week after my twenty second birthday, I was five and a half…