8 years after my abortion
I wanted to share my story about making the right choice for me to get an abortion at age 18. When I found out I was 7 weeks pregnant, I was so sad to have to make the decision to terminate, and I wondered if I would regret the decision. I didn't know anyone personally that had ever had an abortion, and the internet was full of so much negativity. I'm hoping my story can ease the anxiety of anyone else out there having to make this choice.
Eight years ago, I had must moved to a new state with my boyfriend and quit a very expensive college I could not afford. I only had a few thousand dollars saved from working odd jobs, and no car. My job was as a part time barista and I was terrible at it. We were living in substandard housing with no hot water, minimal electricity, no shower, a small area to sleep and a porta-potty. I wished I could've kept that baby, but I knew I was not in a place to provide for another person. I could barely provide for myself. I knew going through pregnancy and birth to give a baby up for adoption was not the right choice for me either. I had no health insurance, and I knew the emotional toll would be too much. I was in tears at the clinic, but everyone was kind. I took a the medication, felt sick for a couple hours, had my period and then it was over. My boyfriend was so supportive of either decision, leaving it entirely to me, and I'm so glad he was there for me.
For a few months I thought occasionally about missed milestones, and for a few years I would reflect and wonder what could've been about once or twice a year. I had some feelings of guilt, but I knew it was nothing to how I would've felt bringing a baby into the wrong circumstances.
Because of my abortion, I was able to find a different job that paid better and I even got a car. After a year, I was able to return to college and complete my bachelor's degree debt free while working part time!
After graduation, I traveled and tried to start a business. My boyfriend and I stuck together through good times, bad times and Covid. We just got married last year! After the business didn't work out, we decided to move to a lower cost of living area, where we have both been thriving. Even though I wasn't a successful business woman, my education and experience have landed me a job in our new town that pays more than any of my peers are making. Both of our careers are taking off, and we now live in a very comfortable apartment with all the modern amenities. Our cars are paid off, and we are able to save enough money to buy a home in the next few years. It feels like my hard work has paid off and I have a great future ahead of me, and none of it would've been possible without the abortion.
I'm so glad I made the right decision all those years ago, I have zero regrets and hoping to start a family in the next few years when I'm ready!