This story is shared on Instagram @ShoutYourAbortion.
My second abortion was after my then-husband’s failed vasectomy. When I became pregnant at 21, still in college, it was a clear decision to have an abortion. All my friends understood it, it wasn’t even a consideration for me to continue the pregnancy.
I had never wanted kids, and when I got married we discussed and agreed we were going to be kid-free. I had an IUD for several years, then my partner had a vasectomy when we were 41. It failed, I was pregnant, and again it was a straightforward decision for me because I did not want to be a parent.
It was more difficult for my friends and family to understand at that point, and looking back on it, I think my ex may have wanted us to continue the pregnancy. But I knew what was right for me, my body (I was horribly sick for those 7 weeks), and I have no regrets.
And I should say that my ex didn’t go back for his second test to ensure the vasectomy worked. I was FURIOUS!!!
Editor’s Note: Yes, even vasectomies fail for some people. In fact, all prevention methods have failed for millions of people around the world . In addition to the products being imperfect, many other complexities make it challenging to avoid pregnancy over 30+ years of fertility. Click here to learn more about why millions of people have more than one accidental pregnancy over their lifetime.