This story is part of a longer article titled Here’s What It’s Really Like to Have an Abortion in Buzzfeed.

40. "Having a third abortion was embarrassing and took a very hard toll on my body and my mind."

I've had three abortions. I had my first abortion at 20. I was not on the pill and found out I was pregnant at 12 weeks. This abortion was medically required, as the pregnancy was not viable. Fortunately, I live near a Planned Parenthood and was able to receive the proper ultrasounds prior to my abortion appointment and they accept my insurance.

I immediately began taking the pill, but became pregnant again six months later. The second abortion was my decision. During this abortion, I chose to have an IUD inserted.

This IUD worked for about a year and a half but fell out without my knowledge, and I became pregnant a third time with someone who I only began dating weeks before I found out. This abortion was my choice as well, and my partner supported me through the entire process.

Having a third abortion was embarrassing and took a very hard toll on my body and my mind. I'm not proud of my experiences with abortion but if I did not have access to proper women's health care, I would not be in the stable place that I am today.

—Emily, 23