Abortion Stories Library
The healing is in the sharing. Both personally and politically.
Dare to bear witness. Dare to be heard. Add your voice to the chorus.
No really does mean no.
Making the decision to have an abortion was agonizing. I was ashamed--by lying on his bed, had I actually invited him to have sex with me?
17 year-old me had no idea what was coming
I know what it feels like to be scared. To not know what to do. To need options. Today I’m a pilot. And I volunteer flying women to get the healthcare they need.
I was the man those women talked about.
It was the first time I actually heard what it was like for the impregnated person. I don’t honestly remember the details of the individual stories because I was so overwhelmed recognizing myself as the man they were talking about.
I was a married mother of two
But it wasn't until decades later, when I saw real images of 6 and 8 week pregnancies, washed of blood — tiny, pale tissuey sacs rather than the grisly dismembered fetuses that the anti-choice zealots loved to parade — that I finally felt free of the condemnation I'd internalized.
My story: two pregnancy emergencies
All of that happened, and in the state of Idaho today, a pregnant person would be in a world of trouble trying to get access to timely care.
C.A.’s Story
Being 15 and without parental consent in Idaho, many couldn’t help out. But one out-of-state organization did stand alongside me and raised over half the amount needed, while I saved my lunch money for the rest.
Four Generations
Etta was a business woman and for her children were not part of her plan. Etta was also the eldest of 10 children and told me she never saw her mother smile.
Ashamed Beyond Relief
SO much shame and disappointment that I carried with me. I wasn't the same woman. I was depressed, I didn't want to live, I felt ashamed, I felt reckless. I told my family what had happened to me and they were all supportive.
What Threatens Me
Some of what holds me back is the scarlet letter of putting myself out there for all to see and apply their judgment on me.
Who Are You to Judge?
But from your position now, is it your right to place judgement on others for the outcome that happened in their journey? Do you know the details, the obstacles, the triumphs and setbacks?
I Have Been So Lucky
“I have been so lucky because, having been born in the 1950’s, my whole “adult life”, I knew that I had a right to contraception and, should I become pregnant, had a right to a legal and safe abortion if needed. Or wanted.”
I Am Worthy
I knew from the start that whatever happened in my life would be my price to pay. I knew that no man could be counted on to stay and to properly protect a child or me.
Blue
The back of her skull never formed and her brain had prolapsed against her spine- incompatible with life outside the womb.
Amid the conflict and sorrow, and the kicks in my belly- I took self authority. Agency. Radical responsibility. I was the second opinion no one had accounted for.
Saved from a lifetime of abuse
To all the people who don't believe in reproductive freedom, I say let them walk the miles in every woman's shoes who have had to make such a difficult decision. Oh yeah, and fuck off, it's not your decision to make and be judge and jury until you have to make that same decision.
Aftermath Story
I had my abortion some 50 years, right here in Idaho. It was not easy or particularly safe but it was necessary, efficient and successful. So many of the details have been blocked or forgotten or expunged. But it was available, thanks to Roe v. Wade.
1977 Story
I KNEW what the right choice for me was.
Saved from a much-diminished life
The abortion saved me. It saved me from a much-diminished life. And I think about that often.
1979 Story
Forty-six years ago I had an abortion. The right to a legal abortion was only about six years old and I was the first person I knew who decided to terminate a pregnancy.
Tumultuous Relationship
I never regretted that decision. My boyfriend was incredibly insecure, jealous, controlling and abusive.
Himself
It’s my body going through this, and yet my support is only concerned with himself.
Physician Stories
