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.