Abortion and Motherhood Series: Day Five

I am a single mother with two children. I am currently on welfare and live in low-income housing. I had to stop working in August 2007 due to my son contracting Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). My day-to-day life has become very hard due to the economy and my unemployment. If I wasn’t able to obtain an abortion, I don’t know what I would have done for myself and my children.

--Molly*

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 feature real stories from real women 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.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy

Abortion and Motherhood Series: Day Four

Thanks to NAF and its member clinic, I have a second chance to keep pushing and thriving towards my goals in life. I am 22 years old and have a 2-year-old daughter. She is my world and in order to give her my all I have made the decision to not have any more children. I made a mistake in getting pregnant this time and now I know to be much more careful. I am happy that there are places like this clinic that give young women like me a second chance at life. Thank you.

--Sanai*

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 feature real stories from real women 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.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy

Abortion and Motherhood Series: Day Three

I discovered I was pregnant after losing my full-time job and I am having a difficult time finding another one. I have two children and I do not believe that I should have another child at this time. I am so grateful for the help when I needed it most. NAF was so supportive. Thank you!

--Ciara*


I wasn’t going to have an abortion. However, I’ve been in the emergency room four times during my pregnancy. I was told that my cervix shifted and that my placenta was coming out. I was then told that I would have a miscarriage if I didn’t go on bed rest. I can only imagine what would have happened if I went on bed rest! Who would have taken care of my kids? How would the bills or my mortgage be paid? I’m grateful that I could get the help that I needed to end this pregnancy. Lord knows times are hard, everything is a blessing.

--Nicola*

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 feature real stories from real women 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.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy

Abortion and Motherhood Series: Day Two

When I discovered that I was pregnant I was devastated. I was 43 years old and I had just rebuilt my life. I had been homeless and was unemployed for a couple of years. My oldest son is going to college and having another child at this time might possibly cost me everything. I also have health issues and I wouldn’t be able to work long if pregnant. There are very few jobs out there so I just couldn’t risk losing mine and the well being of my other children and myself for this pregnancy. I never thought I would have to make a decision like this but I am grateful I was able to make this choice which was the best (and only) for my family.

--Destiny*


Only you know what’s best for you! I am 26 years old and I am going through a lot of emotional issues right now. I decided to terminate this pregnancy because I am not stable enough to have another child. I have a 7-year-old son who is my whole world. He is the only person who loves me unconditionally and he is such a positive and wonderful presence in my life. It was hard for me to come to this decision, but I am confident that it’s the right one for me. I will have plenty of time to have another child but that time is not now.

--Veronica*

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 feature real stories from real women 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.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy.

Abortion and Motherhood Series

There are many myths and misconceptions about who gets abortions, and why. Abortion opponents often attempt to demonize women who choose abortion care by depicting them as careless, sexually indiscriminate, anti-children, or selfish. However, the fact is that most women who have abortions are already mothers and feel terminating their pregnancy is the best, most selfless choice they can make for their children and families. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 61 percent of women who have an abortion have one or more children and 72 percent of women who call the NAF Hotline have given birth to one or more children.

This week, NAF was part of a Slate article examining abortion, motherhood, and the many diverse reasons why women who are already mothers choose to terminate a pregnancy. To expand upon this article, this week we are running a blog series with some of the stories we have heard from mothers who chose abortion care.


Thank you for providing me the assistance and support I needed in order to have my procedure. I am a single mother of a child with special needs. I found myself in an abusive relationship and after I saw the red flags, I quickly broke up with the man that I was involved with. A few weeks later, I sprained my ankle and while getting medical care found out that I was pregnant. Due to complications associated with the birth of my daughter, I would not be able to carry this child to term so I got an abortion.

--Evelyn*

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 feature real stories from real women 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.

*Name changed to protect patient privacy

Wednesday's Words from Women

My husband and I were devastated to learn that the child I was carrying might have mentally-incapacitating birth defects caused by a medication I'd been taking for anxiety. Although I welcomed motherhood, I felt it would be selfish to carry the pregnancy to term given the massive health risks involved. After some thought, I decided to make an appointment at a local abortion clinic.

After my abortion, I was comforted by the fact that I was doing the right thing. When I returned to the clinic two weeks later for my follow-up appointment, protesters were gathered outside. There were graphic images and no shortage of people who were all too eager to tell me that I was going to Hell. Honestly, none of this bothered me. I'm an adult, and I'm fully capable of making my own decisions. Moreover, I was confident in my choice and didn't want or need anyone else's approval.

However, when I entered the clinic I became enraged when I saw a young woman crying because the protesters had called her names like "slut" and "murderer." How these people can believe that making this woman cry and feel awful will further their cause is beyond me.

When it gets to the point where people openly scream hideous insults at women, and where doctors can be shot to death in cold blood at their houses of worship, it's time we reclaim our rights and our sanity. This "silent majority" balderdash has gone on for too long.

--Submitted by Henrietta* through our website


I was physically abused by someone who claimed to love me, which made it so hard for me to leave him. However, I feared for my life. When I found out that I was pregnant, the decision was easy—I could not bring a child into this situation. The NAF member clinic saved my life. Having this option made a world of difference. I owe you all so much. I will be forever grateful.

--Submitted by BJ* through a member clinic


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 feature 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.