i was 21 years old and so happy to be making my own way in the world. i had a full-time job and had just moved out of my parents’ home
after coming home from college. i paid my own bills and bought my own groceries and didn’t have to answer to anyone because i was all grown up. i had been dating my boyfriend for just a few months when my period was late. i knew the test was going to be positive, but had no idea what to do next. my boyfriend was supportive of whatever i decided, and deep-down i knew i wasn’t ready to be a parent. we went to a planned parenthood clinic together, and the nurse there talked to both of us about abortion procedures and how they work. she was very informative and matter-of-fact; i never felt as if she was talking down to me and everything she said helped me feel like i could make a decision and be confident with it. we had to go to another clinic as they didn’t perform the procedure at planned parenthood. my insurance covered all but $200 of the cost. there was nothing remarkable about the experience; when it was over we went back to my boyfriend’s apartment and i slept most of the afternoon. when i woke up, i felt relieved–the stress of wondering what would happen next was just gone. my son was born nine years later, and the first few weeks of motherhood only solidified that i made the right decision all those years earlier–i wouldn’t have been the parent i am now, and our lives would be nothing like they are today. i have never had a minute of regret in my decision.