Rebecca

I was finishing my first year of college trying to get out of an abusive relationship. For years friends and family had tried to get me out of it, but I was only just beginning to listen after the bruises became darker and the threats became more real. I vowed that by summer, I would cut off all communication between us. However, when I discovered I was pregnant, all of that came to an abrupt and fearful halt.

“My best friend was against abortion but I knew she was the only one I could really go to.”

I had been using condoms as well as other birth control, so I couldn’t believe that I could still wind up pregnant.

I knew that in order to keep myself focused on taking my life back, I had to end the pregnancy. I felt like I couldn’t tell my family, and I had only a small group of friends to confide in. This is where I got extremely lucky. My best friend at the time was against abortion but I knew she was the only one I could really go to with this problem.

Upon breaking the news and telling her my plans, she surprised me with a tremendous amount of support. She held firm in her beliefs and did offer to help me explore other options, but in the end we both concluded that this was the best way to go. She took me to my appointment at Planned Parenthood.

I had decided to take the abortion pill (RU-486) as opposed to having the procedure. It seemed as though it would be less painful. My friend drove me back to the campus dormitories and I took the first pill. When the time came to take the second pill, I grew a bit nervous. I desperately wanted the support of my mother, but I was so worried she would be angry.

Eventually, I decided to call her. You never expect to have to make that call, but I was so happy I did.

“Hello?”
“Mom….I need your help. I have to get an abortion. I’m taking the RU-486 pill.”

Followed by a bit of silence, I was relieved to hear that she would be on her way to take me home and help me through it. The process wasn’t great, but knowing that all stigmas were set aside was the best feeling in the world. I was able to have my mother and best friend walk me through this ordeal with nothing but support.

I was fortunate, and that made me wonder about the thousands and thousands of women who may not have the kind of support that I did. The fact that anyone has to feel ashamed of their personal decision is extremely unfortunate. The women who feel scared or alone when they end up needing to have an abortion are the reason I speak freely on the matter. My hope is that one day, all women will be able to feel the same way.

I am not ashamed of my abortion, and I will never be ashamed of being a woman who exercised her rights.