National Abortion Federation Blog: Saporta Reporter

Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.

Three years ago I had an abortion. I was living in England at the time, and when I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend the condom broke. I found out I was pregnant two months later. I was still in school and working part time. My family is not well off and I had to work to earn my keep. I had no time to bring up a child and the best, most obvious option was to have an abortion. It was fine, and the operation went well. I am not scared at all, in fact, I am ok with my decision.

--submitted by Vanessa* via our website


I have always been pro-choice in that I strongly believe that if women and girls cannot control their own reproduction, we are in a very sad state. I absolutely thought I would never have an abortion-I thought I would never "need" to, that I "couldn't" do it.

About a year ago-at age 44 my fourth pregnancy ended in an abortion.

I could no more imagine continuing that pregnancy than I could imagine terminating the pregnancies that resulted in my three children. I am thankful every day for my children...I love them with all my heart, and spend most of my time with them.

I had an abortion because my mind, heart, and soul told me that continuing this pregnancy would only result in physical and emotional pain for those I love most. I have learned many things, including how much judgment of others hurts individuals and our society.

--submitted by Michelle* via our website

*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy

Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women