Arts4Choice

My abortion was almost a decade ago and for the better part of the last ten years it has been something that I seldom think about, but I am thinking of my choice more and more recently and I feel that suddenly I want to talk about it and there isn’t anyone around who knows. Maybe I feel “safer” talking to strangers and sharing my experiences with people I have never met … this would be one way of sharing this with people I have never met.   I also believe that I need to put my mouth where my heart is. This is something that I am willing to stand up and say is important.

I was really disappointed with the after experience from the clinic. After I had “recovered” and was being ushered out, I was pulled over by a nurse, in front of all the other women who were also “recovering” and told what I should or should not do / expect. She also proceeded to tell me that if I was going to engage in “reckless behavior” I should be on the pill. She didn’t think that my excuse was “good enough”.

It is our body … why should we be empowered to make decisions about every other aspect of our bodies and lives but this? This is the single greatest decision a woman can make because of the long-term consequences it can have. Having a baby changes everything (and sometimes for the better). I also think that it sucks that men get off so easily. If they are not comfortable with the path, they can walk away. Not so easy for woman, this is our way of walking away. I actually think that pro-choice is pro-life, the life of the woman!

I am a mother of four great people.

I am also an elected woman in civic government.

I have had an abortion.

I had my abortion when I was 18, four months ago. I was living with my boyfriend, and working as a waitress.

My mom took me to the abortion, my boyfriend did not want to go. My mom was really supportive. I needed that, and I wished my boyfriend had been there, especially when i chose to look at the ultrasound. He felt uncomfortable and wouldn’t give me head for months after cause he felt my pussy was dirty and sad.

It was not hard for me to find the clinic, a friend and then my councilor told me everything I needed to know eg. hospital vs. Clinic etc. I then waited a month for it. Waiting was hard because i was sick, and working. Very depressed.

I had a Muslim coworker tell me not to have my abortion. I was pissed. Once i communicated with her though, she understood and respected MY CHOICE. Then there was a protester at the door of the clinic, an old man. I saw him and i felt so MAD at him that i just cried on the street.

I’m really open, my parents, brother, friends, 3 or 4 of my coworkers, councilor etc. all knew about my abortion. I really didn’t want my manager to find out because i thought he might cut my shifts.

I have heard my friends and family members talk about their abortions. It has helped me ALOT, (IT WAS THE THING THAT HELPED ME THE MOST) because it helped me feel normal, and not ashamed as i did in the beginning.

I am pro-choice because i believe a women should have the right to choose where, when, and how she will reproduce. we only have babies because of the grace of women, and respect, appreciation, and understanding are due.

I think we need to stand up and be counted.  I am not ashamed and I think we need to be seen- a diverse group of women from all ages, cultures and walks of life who have had an abortion.

Abortion was not legal and it was a terrifying experience.  When I didn’t heal well after the abortion I was terrified to go to the doctor because abortion was illegal.  What if I got arrested?

You had to ask around the grapevine until you finally met someone who knew someone, who knew someone….

I am not ashamed to tell my young daughters about my experience.

i am a woman living in toronto. i had an abortion 6 years ago. i am pro-choice.