Emily

I had recently become unemployed and was in the process of finding work when I realized my period was late. I was a little nervous but didn’t think much of it until the morning sickness started.

“I remember how kind his smile seemed compared to the cold, judgmental looks I received from the picketers.”

I bought a pregnancy test and, with shaky hands, took it. When I saw that it was positive I didn’t know what to feel. I’d always dreamt of being a mother and having a family, but I had about $80 in my checking account and didn’t know where I was going to get money for rent and groceries let alone prenatal care.

My boyfriend (and the father) was also unemployed and already had one child for whom he never paid child support. I knew that if I had a child then, it would become exceedingly difficult to build the happy healthy family I’d always dreamt of. Terminating the pregnancy felt like the only real option.

When I arrived at the clinic on the morning of my appointment, there were people marching outside. A volunteer escorted me to the door and I remember how kind his smile seemed compared to the cold, judgmental looks I received from the picketers.

Inside, I paid with a credit card (my insurance didn’t cover anything) and what little cash I had, then found a spot in the waiting room. A nurse called my name and I followed her back to the doctor’s office.

I had what is called a surgical abortion. It was a fairly quick procedure and I only experienced a little cramping. It was a very sad experience, but I’ve never regretted my decision.

I am eternally grateful for the doctors, nurses, and volunteers whose kindness and compassion helped me through one of the most difficult experiences of my life.