We continue to mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, Dr. George Tiller. Dr. Tiller was a dedicated physician who provided quality abortion care to women, at great personal sacrifice and risk. He is truly a hero to his fellow abortion providers and his patients. Dr. Tiller’s office is filled with letters from women, thanking him for the excellent, compassionate care he provided. Many of these women say Dr. Tiller saved their lives.
Since his tragic death, we have received messages from some of his patients and from people around the world who are saddened and outraged. We feel it is important to share these words and tributes to our beloved colleague and friend. For the first time, we will enable comments on our blog so that all of you can share your condolences or offer memories of Dr. Tiller. We invite you to join us in honoring a true American hero, Dr. George Tiller.
Wednesday's Words from Women
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.I am a young woman of 23. I’ve been married for three years and have two beautiful daughters under five years old. My family is my whole life, and I really do not know what I would do without them. I found out I was pregnant a short time ago and immediately knew we had a problem. My husband had just lost his job and we were slowly running out of money. We had just decided that we would have to move out of our home and in with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. We now have six people living in a three bedroom apartment, still struggling with some government help, but making it work the best we can. My husband and I feel this is not the time to bring a new life into the world. We feel the hardship mentally and financially would only hurt our family. Without your help, we would not have been able to make the best possible decision for our family. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
--submitted by Betty* through a member clinicMy husband was arrested for domestic violence about three weeks ago. This is the first time in 12 years of being with him that I am finally free. I found out I was pregnant after he was arrested and I was so disappointed. He never let me take birth control, nor would he use any protection. We have two girls, and he felt I owed him a son. If I wanted to go on something, he’d accuse me of cheating. There is a no contact order for one year from his case, but I believe he’d try to violate that if he knew I was pregnant. This procedure will finally help me put an end to this extremely painful chapter in my life. With your help, I’m finally able to end the hurt. I’m very grateful. I get my life back.
--submitted by Andrea* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
Labels: domestic violence, patient stories, wednesday's words from women
2 comments
Best of luck to you Andrea. Thank you for sharing your story. I am happy to hear that you will now be able to move into a happier chapter in your life! Be strong and know that your story inspires others to keep going.
Andrea,
You're a very brave woman & a good mother to have left such a terrible situation. You did what you had to do to save your lives & that's nothing to be ashamed of!!! Unfortunately, your (ex?)husband would have probably have began to abuse your children, too. If not physically, than certainly emotionally & mentally. Plus, had you stayed, they would have continued to learn that behavior & ended up in similar relationships & marriages. I went through 6 weeks of training to volunteer at a Spouse Abuse shelter. I answered the hotline, helped with new incoming women & their children assigning beds, clothes & toiletries if needed & did some counseling. So, I'm talking from experience when I say, no matter what he promises, no matter how charming he is, don't go back! And be very careful as far as your personal safety (make sure he isn't following/stalking you, etc.). Unfortunately, twice, I've seen men kill the women who left. Because "if they couldn't have them, no one else was going to". I wish you & your kids all the best in your new life, just be careful & don't hesitate to call the police if he breaks that order!! Happy Holidays!
Post a comment (comments will appear only after review for appropriateness)
Wednesday's Words from Women
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.I am a single mom who has been working diligently to provide for my daughter and get through school. I’ve always gotten by, but when a crisis comes up, it can be a challenge. I’ve had a lot of difficulty with birth control, including condoms. To know that someone cares enough to support me and others makes me feel a sense of relief. Thank you so much because now I know I can still survive and get the services I need to move on with my life with dignity.
--submitted by Christine* through a member clinicMy story is probably similar to many women in the world today. Being physically abused by someone who claims to love you can have a detrimental effect on your life. Because you love this person, it’s so hard to leave. I had to leave or I would probably be dead. Having the option to have an abortion made a world of difference. The clinic saved my life. I owe you all so much. I will be forever grateful.
--submitted by Barbara* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
0 comments
Post a comment (comments will appear only after review for appropriateness)
Wednesday's Words from Women
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.I just want to say thank you because without your help, I wouldn’t know what to do. I am a single mother of three daughters who I love more than anything in this world, but I know that bringing another child into this world would not be the best thing for me at this time in my life. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but it makes it so much easier when you have someone to support you and the choice you’ve made. I know that the choice I have made is best for me. So again, I thank you for caring and understanding the decision that I made. Thank you.
--submitted by Linda* through a member clinic
*Name has been changed to protect patient privacy
Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
0 comments
Post a comment (comments will appear only after review for appropriateness)
Wednesday's Words from Women
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.
I thank you very much for your help from the Hotline. I’m currently unemployed with four children and a grandson to support. I’m terminating this pregnancy due to my poor health. My heart can’t handle a pregnancy so I really am thankful for your help. During this difficult time in my life, any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
--submitted by Sylvia* through a member clinic
The clinic and your Hotline have helped me tremendously. The clinic employees have been very friendly. I am very early in my pregnancy, and have been taking my regular medications on a daily basis and have researched the effects those meds have on an unborn child. I am also a full-time student and unemployed. When I decide to have children I want the pregnancy to be planned and healthy so I am able to give my child everything and more than what it needs.
--submitted by Aimee* through a member clinic
Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
0 comments
Post a comment (comments will appear only after review for appropriateness)
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.
, at
4:52 PM
