my abortion was fairly recent. it was in august. my nuvaring failed and i ended up pregnant. my boyfriend and i had discussed what we would do in the event of a pregnancy and knew that abortion was the right choice for us. but when it happened we were shocked. i foolishly thought it could never happen to me.

i made an appt with planned parenthood for an abortion as soon as the pregnancy test read positive. i first visited my family doctor who confirmed the pregnancy and gave me a referral for my insurance. i was fortunate to have an insurance plan that covered my abortion for a copay. so i was set and my abortion was nearly a week away and i was prepared. i read everything i could and called pp three times asking questions and being prepared for that day. i went to work the morning of my abortion. my procedure was in the afternoon. my boyfriend drove me. i was 12 weeks, a lot further along then i thought. i was nervous but ready. it took most of the day. it was slightly uncomfortable but not terribly painful and it went quickly. at the end of it all i was so relieved and happy to not be pregnant anymore i cried a little. it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. i was myself again.

though it hasn’t been that long ago i can see now how different my life would be if i did decide to keep it. i wouldnt be where i am now. i wouldnt have the job i have now. i would still be living at home. my boyfriend and i would not have taken this next step in our relationship. i know in the future i will look back on this decision and thank my younger self for doing this, for making the right choice. it is important for women everywhere to have access to an abortion if they choose one. it should be easily accessible and afforadable.