Global Women's Voices: Share Personal Stories

Misty, United States

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During my second semester of college I became pregnant. Even though I was in a long term relationship with my boyfriend I knew I wasn't ready to become a parent. I thought about what to do every single minute for a couple of days and I decided an abortion was the best choice for me. I called all of the clinics in the phone book and decided on one in the next town. I was so afraid someone I knew would see me or somehow my parents would find out.

My boyfried luckily had enough money in his savings account to cover the $500 procedure costs. I'll never forget arriving at the clinic and seeing a young girl walking out with her mother. The girl had obviously had an abortion as she still looked very groggy from the valium. In the waiting room there were women of all different ages and races.

I felt more at ease looking around the room and knowing that these women were going through the same situation I was. The nurses at the clinic were so supportive and one held my hand as they put in my IV. It was over so quickly. I felt such a relief when I woke up knowing that it was all over with. Even though it took me a couple of months, I finally realized that this was the first time in my entire life that I put myself before anyone else.

I put my needs, my education, my future ahead of what my parents would have wanted. I cried a lot during this whole process not because I had an abortion but because it was a growing experience for me. I knew I had to depend on myself and not my parents to make the best choice for me. I was sad that I had to make a choice because of my unplanned pregnancy but I know now it was the right plan of action for my life.

I am now a senior in college and president of our campus FMLA. My abortion empowered me to stand up for women. It helped me realize that I am not alone and that access to safe legal abortion is not only a priviledge but something worth fighting for.

updated: 7/2/2004