I want to help take away the shame of abortion. Many women have had one for many reasons. Coming out will help others feel less bad about their decision and tell people that we need to keep working towards safe, accessible abortions in Canada.
I want to put a face to it.
I was 27, the pregnancy was the result of a short relationship while travelling. He lives in another country and I never told him (I found out after I got home). I was starting a new job, new relationship, etc and was just not yet ready to become a parent. I did go on to have 3 beautiful babies.
My friend came with me. She was the only person I told at the time. She was wonderful – supportive, loving, non-judgmental. The clinic was amazing and let her into the recovery area – none of the male partners were allowed however.
There is fear of being judged negatively and more recently, the fear of it impacting my professional standing. I work with pregnant women and it is such a “hot button”, I wouldn’t want to jeopardize my career.
I think that we are supposed to feel badly about it. Even to regret it to a certain extent. I do not feel badly – I hate that I had to make the decision but feel I made the right one. I choose to share the information only with people I know will support me and not make me feel a specific way.
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