Anne Jellinek
I had two abortions in my life: one when I was 21 and newly married and one 8 years later at the end of our marriage. This was in the 80s and 90s. I was lucky in that I had no particular difficulty in either case (except for the expense, I had to borrow the money for the first abortion). My experience is what it should be like for every woman. I recognized that I was not able to have children either emotionally or financially nor did I want to be a mother. Nobody in my family felt any other way, everyone was supportive. Nobody was outside the clinics protesting (which is a pretty mild word for what they do). Both clinics that I went to were efficient, clean and staffed by good people. I share this experience because, as I said before, that's how it should be for everyone. Denying women access to reproductive rights is a crime against humanity, nothing less. I'm not only peaceful with my decision but in fact I'm proud of it. Both times, it was the best thing for all concerned. No woman should be forced to do anything with her body that she doesn't choose and I'm grateful that I wasn't put through that.
1984 United States
I am proud of choosing not to have a child when it would have been wrong for everyone. I am completely unapologetic. I have no negative feelings about it whatsoever.
In the 80s and 90s there was no access to medication abortion, which would have been nice. I underwent d & c which was fine, not a problem, however a less intrusive method is better.
Benze ntoni abanye abantu xa ukhupha isisu?
I was supported by friends and family. Nobody argued with me or attempted to interfere which is as it should be for every woman.