National Abortion Federation Blog: Saporta Reporter
| News about reproductive choice from the President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, Vicki Saporta. |
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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.
Post your comments, condolences, and personal memories of Dr. 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 pro-choice because being a feminist is one of the most fundamental pieces of who I am. I’m committed to fighting for policies that expand the possibilities of women’s choice. The Hotline has helped me to have my own choice, and for this I am very grateful. The clinic was the only place I contacted (and I contacted many!) where I found quality and care and I felt respected. Thank you. Both the Hotline and the clinic have made a huge difference. --submitted by Jordan* through a member clinicI have always been pro-choice, and I always kept myself informed as to what my options were when it came to reproductive health care. I never thought I would have to use the information on abortion until I found out I was pregnant. I am a 22-year-old college student who lives at home with her parents. I work as a waitress and my boyfriend works at a grocery store and plans to go to graduate school. There is no way we could have supported a child. From the time I found out I was pregnant to the time of the abortion, I threw up two to three times a day, every day. I hid my sickness from my parents and had to put on a happy face. It was so hard. I became depressed and frustrated because not only was I tired from being pregnant; I was also very weak from not being able to eat. If my parents ever knew I had an abortion, they would kick me out of the house and disown me. They told me this when I was a teenager. My boyfriend and I had only been going out for three months when we discovered we were pregnant. We both discussed our options and came to a conclusion quickly. Throughout the whole medical abortion, he was there every step of the way. We had to get a hotel room in order for me to have my medical abortion. With how sick and weak I was, there was no way I could have covered that up at my house or at his. I am so grateful to him. It scares me to think that there are 70-year-old men over in Washington DC who I have never met before, and probably never will, that could have had the chance to decide my life's path, and not me. No complete stranger should be able to take away my education and the life I dream of. I did it for my future. -- I did it because I was concerned that I would not be able to raise the child in the right way and give it everything it needed, and because as supportive as my boyfriend was, I did not know him well enough to ensure that we would be together forever. There are days where I still sometimes feel sad, because this was not an easy decision. But in my heart I know I did the right thing. --submitted by Alexa* through our websiteLabels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women
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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.The clinic and the Hotline allowed me to make this decision truly on my own. The counseling really made me feel better about my decision. I am a full-time student close to graduation and having the procedure will help me achieve this. The entire staff was extremely helpful and made this day a lot easier to handle. Before today, I never imagined I would be here, but everyone here took a day that was really difficult to deal with and turned it into a day that was comfortable. They truly let me know that I wasn’t alone. --submitted by Rebecca* through a member clinicI am a single 28-year-old woman living in a homeless shelter. My primary source of income is a food stamp allowance of $200 a month, plus temporary work which is not steady. The Hotline and the clinic have really helped in making abortion accessible to low-income women who otherwise would’ve went through an unwanted and unplanned pregnancy. I have two children whom I cannot financially provide for the way that I should, and to have another would only complicate matters, as well as lessen the quality of life for both me and the child. My experience has been one of many lessons (prevention is worth an ounce of care). I am pro-choice because I believe in a quality of life for everyone involved. --submitted by Megan* through a member clinicLabels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women
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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 wanted to say thanks for being there not only for me, but for all the other women in need of assistance. I greatly appreciate it, and I hope the Hotline continues to help those who are less fortunate. --submitted by Molly* through a member clinicI am pro-choice because every situation is different. I am currently a mother of two small children and I am unemployed. Realistically speaking, I cannot afford another child. In this tough economy, it is hard for me to be able to provide necessities for my children now. Although situations may change as far as employment, it would not be a smart decision for me to bring another child into my unstable world. I appreciate the fact that I can choose a better path for my kid’s future. --submitted by Serena* through a member clinicLabels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women
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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 clinicLabels: domestic violence, patient stories, wednesday's words from women
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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.
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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 clinicLabels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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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
Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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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
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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 was raped while serving in the Army in Iraq. My rapist is in jail. I am engaged and will be married in two months. Thanks to your organization, I won’t have to start my new life raising a criminal’s child. --submitted by Analise* through a member clinicThree months ago, I was laid off from my job of six years. Right now the income I have coming in the house is only enough to support myself and my children. I am not financially or emotionally prepared to handle another child. I believe that having an abortion is the best decision for me because I would never want to bring a child into the world that I couldn’t completely love and provide for. --submitted by Candice* through a member clinicLabels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women, women in the military
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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 started having severe abdominal pain. I had many ultrasounds done and there was nothing the doctors could see that was wrong. When I found out I was pregnant the pain started to get worse. That’s when I had an internal ultrasound and doctors saw a tumor. The reason I needed this abortion was for my health and so I could take care of the tumor. It affected my school and work, and I needed to make sure I stayed on track with my life considering I am already a single parent. I would not have been able to do all this on my own so I am extremely grateful for help from the NAF Hotline.
--submitted by Nell* through a member clinic
I am a young single woman on my own. I have my own apartment with bills to pay and without your help I wouldn’t be able to go through with the abortion. With the tough times today it’s hard for anyone to make ends meet. I am pro-choice because I believe if you get pregnant you should be able to determine whether you are ready to have a child. I don’t want to bring a child into the world without knowing if I’ll be in a stable place to raise a child.
--submitted by Karly* through a member clinic *Names have been changed to protect patient privacy Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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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 mother already, and I have limited funds. Becoming pregnant again was really not an option because I am a full-time student. I would like to be prepared the second time around as a mother and am grateful for this option.
--submitted by Emily* through a member clinic
I am so sad and scared for women’s rights and those that serve us. When I was younger I made the choice to have an abortion. I was a drug addict and knew I could not care for a child. It was 1973, the first year a woman could make this choice. I was lucky that women and men had fought so hard to make this happen; I was able to choose my destiny.
I am the woman and mother I am today—fully recovered, a social worker, and good mother—because I was able to delay having a child. I want to speak out and say I am not ashamed, I have no regrets, I am forever thankful that I was able to choose. When I had my abortion, there was no harassment, no bulletproof glass, and no angry, mean people calling me a killer. Today when I take my clients to clinics we have to walk through hate and intimidation. It makes me so sad and scared. And yet if you ask me, I would die for this right. Dr. Tiller is a hero, a man that said, “Trust Women.” We have lost so much and every day we are losing more. Thank you for all you do.
--submitted by Erika* via our website *Names have been changed to protect patient privacy Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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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.My sweetheart and I decided that an abortion would be best in our situation because he is leaving for the military soon. I am pursuing my degree and would not be able to follow him. Plus, between the two of us we wouldn’t be able to provide the way we would want for our child. So we have decided to wait until later to have children. As far as being prochoice: it’s my body. --submitted by Liz* through a member clinic
NAF has helped me a lot. This pregnancy was just something that I was not ready for. I can’t explain the reason I feel I’m not ready. I just know that the clinic and Hotline have made things easier for me. --submitted by Julie* through a member clinic*Names have been changed to protect patient privacyLabels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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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.When I was in my freshman year of college, I got pregnant even though I was on the "pill." I was so scared because I had plans for myself. I needed to finish school and get a good job and establish my life before I brought another one into this world. I wanted to have kids one day but I wanted to be able to give them everything they wanted. I didn't want to have my children, the people I would come to care for and love more than anything in the world, suffer for a mistake I made. I decided to get an abortion, and I had to travel 50 miles to the nearest clinic. Afterward I felt very relieved and went on to finish my freshman year with a 4.0. Now, 3 years later I have a beautiful one-year-old daughter who has everything she'll ever need because I was ready. I'm extremely grateful that I had the choice to wait so that my daughter may have a better life. Thank You. -- submitted by Keisha* through a member clinicI just want to say thank you and God Bless you to those who donate to this cause. This decision was hard to make; I am a single mom of three kids who just graduated. I really need to take care of the children I have and could not if I were to go through with this pregnancy. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my dreams of taking care of the children I have. -- submitted by Katie* through a member clinic*Names have been changed to protect patient privacyLabels: patient stories, shared stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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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.It is not a the right time in my life to have a baby. I don’t have enough financial stability to take care of myself and the child that I already have. I just started school to make my life better for my child and future children. I thought long and hard about this alternativedecision, and. I think I’m making the right choice for me and my family.
--submitted by Lucinda* through a member clinic
I found out that I was pregnant and knew that I was not ready mentally or financially for such a huge responsibility. I am so thankful for NAF and the clinic. Thank you so much for allowing me to make an informed and important decision about my body and my future.
--submitted by Kendall* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women
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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 mother of two children who love me more than life. When I found out I was pregnant, I had mixed reactions, but I knew I had to do what was best for my family. This was the best solution after much thinking. Thank you very much for helping me and my family to be stronger.
--submitted by Claire* through a member clinic
It is hard enough trying to make ends meet as a college student. Seeing that I have one more year to obtain my first degree, the abortion seemed to be the best decision for me. I have seen many females dropping out to support a child, and that is not the thing for me. I really appreciate all the support I have been given by the clinic. Words cannot express my gratitude enough, but for what it is worth, thank you so much for helping my life to be better.
--submitted by Chauncey* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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IN MEMORIUM
Dr. George R. Tiller
Ours is a profession filled with sadness. The bitter sweetness of life is our specialty, as we take one life to preserve the choice to create another. Thus are we steeped in the catechisms of sacrifice.
We gather here to remember one whose life was an offering, a penance and a redemption. Smitten in a very public spasm of violence, his loss is our shared and very private grief. For we alone and only can fully know the depth of his love, the fire of his mission, the covenant of his devotion and the endlessness of his forbearance.
The journeys of men and women like George Tiller are often lonely ones, but in his case it was not. Fortified by those who came before, strengthened by his family, cherished by his colleagues and heralded by a courageous few persons in the public eye—some of whom are here today—he is now carried to his place of peace by those who will carry on his work.
Blessed are those of us whose dear friends sustain us with faith, infuse us with courage and delight us with humor. Never more do we need them than on this day.
We bear collective witness to a life of service; we lay to rest a soul of courage.
May the Lord bless him, honor him and keep him close to his bosom, evermore.
Amen.
Steve Lichtenberg
Betsy Aubrey
June 6, 2009
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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 felt very lost when I found out that I was pregnant. I am already a mother of a beautiful two year old and times have been really hard lately because I lost my job. When I found out I was pregnant, I considered doing dangerous things to my body because I did not want to be pregnant. I felt like there was no hope. When I went to the clinic, they helped me and it was a great feeling. I did not have to worry or do anything dangerous. I feel so relieved and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can now be healthy and be here for my daughter.
--submitted by Noreen* through a member clinic
I did not want to bring a child into the world under the circumstances that I am facing. It was not planned–I was taking antibiotics while on birth control. I have seven more months before my completion of being an LPN so before I bring another human being in this world I want to be sure that I am able to take care and be there for that child as I should.
--submitted by Savita* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy
Labels: Contraception, patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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Article Features Women’s Stories from Crisis Pregnancy Center
An article published last week in Pasadena Weekly features accounts from women deceived by a local Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC). “I thought I was at a medical clinic,” recalls Judy, a 43-year-old mother of one, who mistakenly went into Avenues [Pregnancy Clinic] because it’s adjacent to her general practitioner’s office. “I don’t like what I went through,” she says. “It was a horrible experience—just manipulative. Deceptive! That’s what I feel—deceived.” After hearing stories from women like Judy, reporter Tina Dupuy decided to go undercover and visit the same CPC and write about her experience. “I spent nearly two hours of my time to get an admittedly unreliable pregnancy test, [and] erroneous medical information,” Dupuy said. She was also forced to listen to a religious speech from one of the CPC workers and given inaccurate information about the effectiveness of contraception. Many CPCs use deceptive advertising practices to mislead women into thinking that they are legitimate medical clinics that provide a variety of reproductive health care services, including family planning and abortion care. In reality, most CPCs do not provide full options counseling and generally will not refer for abortion care or birth control. In June 2006, NAF released Crisis Pregnancy Centers: An Affront to Choice, a comprehensive report outlining the ways that CPCs harass and mislead women. >Share your story about an experience with a CPC.Labels: crisis pregnancy center (CPC), NAF, patient stories, women
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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 college student that finds it hard just to pay rent each month. I have been with my boyfriend for four years and have been careful, with one slip up. We are both in school and are not financially stable or ready to be parents. Thank you for providing the opportunity for us to have this abortion. Without your help, we would have a very big struggle ahead. Both of us find it very important to finish school and set up a life first. So, thank you very much!
--submitted by Alice* through a member clinic
If it weren’t for the clinic, I probably wouldn’t be here at all. My life was going down the tubes, and then I found out I was pregnant. If I hadn’t had the choice to terminate this pregnancy, I would have made the choice to end my life. In no way was I ready to give a baby a fulfilling, happy life, and having a baby would have ruined mine. Thank you to the clinic and NAF for all of your help getting my life turned around!
--submitted by Leah* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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I know all too well what it's like to feel you have but two options... abortion or suicide. I'm so glad you were able to find a solution that kept you here with us!
Unfortunately, my choice came in the last 1960's. I was a college freshman living at home in a religious household. Legal pregnancy termination options were not available where I lived. I suffered a horrific illegal abortion and am so thankful that women these days don't have to go through what I did.
Thank goodness for organizations like NAF. I will continue to fight for the right for women to choose... and safe, legal procedures.
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Stories of Real Women Featured in Glamour
 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.This month, Glamour magazine published a six-page article about abortion, which profiles eight women who were willing to candidly share their abortion experiences. NAF members Dr. Deb Oyer, counselor Anne Baker, and Dr. Cassing Hammond were also featured in the piece. Allyson Kirk, a member of NAF’s Patient Partnership, was one of the women who shared her story with Glamour: “I was 23 when I discovered I was pregnant. My partner and I had been dating only a month, and I got pregnant due to failed birth control—I’d recently switched to the Patch, which didn’t work for me. I had just moved to Virginia from Florida and didn’t know where to go for an abortion, so I looked online and called a local NAF-recommended clinic. The day of my initial consultation, I drove to the address in a mall and entered an office that had a pregnancy-testing sign on its door. I filled out some forms, then a woman led me into another room to ask me more questions. Everything was fine until she asked what my religion was. I asked her why that was necessary, and she said she could not properly counsel me without knowing my “morality.” I was shocked—it was none of her business! So I asked to move on. She gave me a pregnancy test, and then as I waited for the results, she had me watch a video. Within minutes, I knew it was propaganda: It said not many people know the truth about abortion—that doctors who provide them graduate at the bottom of their class and that it is linked to breast cancer and depression. I was outraged. I went in trusting these people and felt betrayed and manipulated. When they started showing graphics of an actual procedure, using an illustration that was the size of a third-trimester fetus, I got up to leave. It was too upsetting. As I stormed past both the “counselor” and the receptionist, I said, ‘You people should be ashamed of yourselves.’ Once I got home, I called NAF to tell them they should take that clinic off their website—and that is when I first learned about these fake “crisis pregnancy centers” that sometimes use propaganda to discourage women from having an abortion. The NAF clinic I was supposed to go to was two doors down. When I went to see them the next day, I told them what happened, and they apologized and said it’s a common occurrence. It breaks my heart to think of someone going in there already scared. If I had been nervous or ill informed or did not have a support network, that experience would have been devastating.”
Allyson Kirk, 26 >Learn about NAF’s Patient Partnership.>Read the full Glamour article.Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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I work at an abortion clinic in Illinois. I was saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Tiller. I did not know him, but the doctor I work for is a friend. Dr. Tiller will be missed, but never forgotten. I would like to thank the family for their unselfishness in giving of their husband and father, so every woman could have a right. As long as we continue to work for the rights of every woman we will keep his legacy alive.
My Privilege to serve women
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Real Women Share Their Abortion Stories
 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 websiteI 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 privacyLabels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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Thank you! Your words are exactly how I feel.
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