All tagged Childfree By Choice

"I spent my childhood looking after my younger siblings and saw my mom struggle as a single parent on a low income my whole life. I vowed to never be like that."

Sharing Truth
Two Abortions, Multiple Abortions, Locations not given

“I accidentally got pregnant and had an abortion during the pandemic. It was pretty traumatic but I was instantly relieved. Since then I’ve gone on to get my bachelors and masters degree. When I think of my future, I envision freedom, adventure and peace of mind. Two years later, here I am again with another unwanted pregnancy.” This story includes supportive comments from others who’ve had more than one abortion. Read more.

"I am interested in hearing from women in their 40s without children who've had abortions and might be worried that because of their age this might be ‘the last shot'. "

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Two Abortions, Multiple Abortions, Locations not given

“I had my second abortion at age 42 and did have a moment of pause about it being likely my last chance to have a child. When I considered what I wanted my life to look like, and what I would want a child’s life to look like, they simply didn’t match up. I wasn’t in a place where I was willing to make the life changes needed to raise a child. I think every child born should be an intentional choice. People should be REALLY sure they want to give all that it takes to raise and support a thoughtful, kind human before having a baby.” Read more.

"I think of the damage those children might have experienced with me as their mother."

Sharing Truth
Three Abortions, Georgia, U.S.

“I know being wanted isn’t a guarantee of a child’s happiness or success, but after I got sober at 25, I went back to school and got a degree in social work. I worked in child abuse investigations for 20 years, and I can’t count the number of children I saw who had been targeted, scapegoated, tortured, and vilified because they were unwanted. The most basic gift we can give children is to be wanted and loved. Every child should have that starting out.” Read more.

"Growing up in a house with a large dysfunctional family made me realize I didn’t want to pass on my trauma."

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Multiple Abortions, Oregon

“My girlfriend got pregnant in her early 20s and I took her to planned parenthood in Portland in the early morning hours for an abortion. This was in the late 1970s. It was dark outside and there was already a group of men harassing us. It stuck out to me that these men had no right to shame us or talk about our choices on any level and I fought back. It felt good then and it still does.” Read more.

"I have a good job, a stable life, a beautiful dog, and I don’t want children ever."

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Seven Abortions, U.K.

“I’ve been refused contraception from my GP due to underlying health issues, and refused sterilisation because I’m too young and apparently “will change my mind on not wanting children”. That’s a whole separate issue. I see abortion as a perfectly legitimate medical procedure to remove a tiny cluster of cells from your body, similar to getting your appendix out, or a cyst removed.” Read more.

"I thought I would end up being one more mother pretending to be happy." ~ "Pensé que terminaría siendo una madre más fingiendo ser feliz".

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Two Abortions, Mexico, In Spanish & English, Later Abortions

“I tried to get used to the idea of having it, and in a moment of madness I told everyone. I called it good news. That same night I regretted saying it because I really didn't want it and neither did their support make me change my mind.” Read more.

“Traté de acostumbrarme a la idea de tenerlo, y en un momento de locura se lo conté a todos. Lo llamé buenas noticias. Esa misma noche lamenté haberlo dicho porque realmente no lo quería y tampoco su apoyo me hizo cambiar de opinión ”. Lee mas.

"I have never written about my abortions before." ~ Journalist Mona Eltahawy

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Two Abortions, Egypt, U.S.

“Why couldn’t I, Mona Eltahawy, a woman born in Egypt to a Muslim family, write an essay under my own name, in which I say openly and without shame that I have had two abortions, that I am glad I had those two abortions and that had I become pregnant again I would have had another abortion because I did not want to have children? Why have I been able to risk my safety and my life by writing articles about a military-backed regime but I could not write about my abortions?” Read more.

"I’m trying to let go of a bit of the guilt I feel from this being my second procedure."

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Two Abortions, U.S.

“I found out I was pregnant about 2.5 weeks ago. I had a complete meltdown and was conflicted on what I wanted to do. For a while I was 50/50 — primarily because I felt guilt because if I decided to terminate this would be my second termination, and I felt so much guilt/shame over that. My last termination was a very long time ago, 10 years or so and I was super young and didn’t think twice about terminating.” Read more.

"I just want to be able to have someone take me seriously when I say I don’t want to be a mother."

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Four Abortions, U.S.

“After my first abortion I saw several doctors to talk about my options. I had been on the depo shot, but I had adverse effects and had to stop getting it. I wanted to talk about sterilization, of course I was ignored. I was made to believe I just wasn’t old enough to know, that I would change my mind, and 7 years, and 3 abortions later my mind has never wavered.” Read more.

"I’ve known since I was around 13 (probably younger tbh) that I didn’t want children."

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Two Abortions, Location Unknown

“I still think about my abortions from time to time. I don’t have any regrets. To this day my husband and I are the only ones who know and it will most likely stay that way. I guess I just want to let anyone who has had or will be having an abortion know that it’s okay. You’re doing what’s best for you. You will get through it. I understand. You’re valid. And you’re loved. And you have support right here if nowhere else.” Read more.