This story is published at Women on Web.

I have had two abortions.

One was at the age of 22 ,which I paid privately for at 9 weeks gestation. The other one was at age 38, which I had through the NHS at 8 weeks gestation.

By no means was this an easy option as many people think, but I 100% made the right choice and definitely have no regrets.

On both occasions I had no hesitation with choosing a termination and had vacuum aspiration under general anaesthetic.

No complications, very little pain and no lasting effects.

On the first one there were protesters outside, but it made no difference to me at all. It is my life, my body, my choice.

Never feel bad for making this decision for yourself as you won’t regret it. Once you have been and had it done you will feel relief and nothing but gratitude for having been unburdened.

It isn’t pleasant to have to terminate, but it is the right thing to do when you are in no place to be bringing up a child.

We have the right as women to choose.

I feel no guilt, no regret, no post-abortion psychosis, nothing. I am lucky to be able to access the services I did.

Never stay silent and never be ashamed. YOUR body, YOUR choice.

I didn’t feel guilty but felt like I was ‘old enough to know better’. This passed once the operation was completed. I have not looked back. Not once.

I had financial issues and problems with my relationship. My partner was supportive. My parents disapproved, but it didn’t matter to me as it was my choice.

~ Louise Harper