Our Stories — 2 + Abortions Worldwide

“I was 20 when I got pregnant for the first time. I had a permanent partner, but it was toxic. He was an alcoholic, a despot and an elderly miser (he even gave me money for bread). I couldn't free myself from him, I was too young and stupid. He said that he can't have children because he has one testicle, I stupid believed and unfortunately I got pregnant.” Click the green link to see the whole story in Polish and English.

Dec 28
Dec 28 "I was initially really happy to be pregnant with someone I loved. However, the relationship quickly became abusive."

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Two Abortions, U.S.

“Both abortions were while I was in college. The first one, I was initially really happy to be pregnant with someone I loved. However, the relationship quickly became abusive, and I knew I did not want my child or myself to be in that environment. I also knew he would be after me for the rest of my life if I had that baby. So, I had an abortion. “ Read more.

Dec 14
Dec 14 "Debido al estigma, la satanización y el silencio sobre el aborto pensé que ya me quedé estéril, al siguiente més estuve embarazada."

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Six Abortions, Seis Abortos, Perú, Spanish/English

“Nunca me he sentido mal después de un aborto, todo lo contrario, físicamente es casi nada comparado con el trabajo del parto, emocionalmente, me levantaba de la camilla y era la mujer entusiasta y trabajadora que soy. Talvez porque no soy católica, soy politeista, encuentro a la divinidad en todas partes, tengo una gran veneración a la Madre tierra. Siento que nosotras somos ella en miniatura, ella también aborta y también da frutos maravillosos y en partes es infértil o estéril como algunas compañeras.” Haga clic en el título verde para ver las traducciones al español y al inglés de esta historia.

“I have never felt bad after an abortion — quite the opposite. Physically it is almost nothing compared to labor. Emotionally, I got up from the stretcher and was the enthusiastic and hardworking woman I am. Maybe because I'm not Catholic, I'm a polytheist. I find divinity everywhere. I have a great veneration for Mother Earth. I feel that we are her in miniature. She also aborts and also bears wonderful fruits and in parts she is infertile or sterile like some companions.” Click the green title to see both Spanish and English translations of this story.

Dec 10
Dec 10 "We want to be very responsible when we become parents. That’s why we will do it in our own time."

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Two Abortions, Location Unknown

“I’m thankful that I have the choice to do this! I don’t feel any guilt or regret at all. My fiancé and I have very equal thoughts about this and we both believe that what we did is the right thing. We know we’re not ready and we want to have kids when we are! We want our kids to be provided with everything they need. We want to be able to love them wholeheartedly and we can only do that if we know that we both decided we want kids and we are ready for it!” Click the green title to see the whole story.

Dec 6
Dec 6 Another story of two abortions that is part of amicus briefs submitted to the Supreme Court in opposition to a law that would close all but one abortion clinic in Louisiana.

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Two Abortions, Louisiana, U.S.

“In 2012, Amy unexpectedly became pregnant for a second time. This time, she had finished her education, had a career, had been married and divorced, and was not struggling financially. But she decided that be- cause the father struggled with substance abuse, she was not prepared to be involved with him for the rest of her life. And having seen how difficult it was for her mother to be a single mother, she was not prepared to do that.” Read more.

Dec 5
Dec 5 This story of two abortions is part of 27 amicus briefs submitted to the Supreme Court in opposition to Act 620, a Louisiana law that would close every abortion clinic in the state except for one.

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Two Abortions, Washington, DC

“Julie believes that if she carried either of these pregnancies to term, the stress of caring for the child— if it survived—would have forced her to become socially isolated, put a strain on her marriage, and made her oldest child suffer. She thinks the government and the courts should not intrude on her very personal decisions, and could not possibly know what is best for her.” Click to see the testimony.

Dec 4
Dec 4 "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.

Nov 22
Nov 22 "It wasn’t the abortions that traumatized me; it was the secrecy, shame, inability to grieve, and the alienation."

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Three Abortions, Ireland

“Normally, when someone dies, the clan gathers, food is brought, sympathy is offered. Normally, death bonds people. Because it’s cloaked in secrecy, abortion separates, worse, it alienates. Grief is not meant to be a solitary experience. When grief is experienced alone, it’s traumatizing. Despite the sadness, I never doubted that ending my pregnancies was best for everyone involved. I’d be lying if I told you I never thought about my unborn children and the life we might have had together. But those thoughts don’t torment me.” Click the green title to see the whole story.

Nov 18
Nov 18 "My situation was that I was completely lost in life, with depression and anxiety, and no support or financial means for the responsibility of another life."

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Three Abortions, U.S.

“At 19 I had left home, was totally lost in life and became pregnant. There were not many support systems then, I had no money, felt panicked, and had an abortion. That year I got into a 10 year relationship with an abusive man. When I got pregnant again, I was terrified of him, being tied to him forever, and the pregnancy, and had another abortion. I used birth control sporadically, but was depressed and didn't care enough about myself to take care of myself. I was not cavalier about abortion, but I was so lost in life.” Read more.

Nov 13
Nov 13 "Having my two children and having my two abortions were the best four decisions I ever made, and I am not ashamed."

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Two Abortions, Tennessee, U.S.

“To be honest, I didn’t consider myself pro-choice until I had my son. Before that, I was completely ignorant to all of the challenges of raising a human being. I was raised “pro-life” Baptist and I parroted every silly myth that had been shoved into my head — you know, women who like/have sex are sluts and women who have an abortion are selfish, irresponsible murdering sluts. But when I found myself breastfeeding my son for the fifth time in the middle of the night, crying from exhaustion and the chilling desperation that accompanies postpartum depression, wondering how I could keep functioning. . . I understood.” Read more.

Nov 6
Nov 6 "Not only was I repeatedly beaten every day, but I wasn’t ready for a child."

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Two Abortions, U.S.

“I’m still healing from my childhood as well as from my 10 year long relationship of abuse. Everyone has a different story and a different reason. Regardless, the right to choose should not be taken away. Would you rather me bring a child into a potentially dangerous life or prevent a child from being mentally damaged and abused as well? I chose not to. I chose right.” Click the green title to see the whole story.

Oct 24
Oct 24 "I did have some pressure from friends and my sister not to abort, but I was 19 and the father was not who I wanted in my life forever."

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Two Abortions, Pennsylvania, U.S.

“When I found out I was pregnant, I could not believe. I took exactly 7 tests. How did this happen? Why now? After struggling with infertility for 4 years with a different partner, I really wanted this pregnancy but had a lot of pressure from the father. I felt so much guilt for years thinking I was being punished for my first abortion. In the end, I am glad I chose to abort because of the stress of his threats and obstinance. He threatened to blackmail me, disappear, sign away his rights, and even threatened suicide. He also told me I was too unstable to be a parent and I would ruin HIS life.” Click the green title to see the whole story.

Oct 16
Oct 16 "As women we are confronted with this and pushed to think we must become mothers when the opportunity arises as if it is always a blessing, but in many circumstances it’s not."

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Three Abortions, U.S.

“This morning I was filled with nerves and now I’m back home with such relief. I was kind of okay the first time and okay the second time and this will be the okay-est for me especially since I was so early in my pregnancy, I can morally deal with myself. I am so grateful that today women have the opportunity to choose when they are ready to make a family. I chose the pill because I have always felt that is the most natural way for a body. I do want children one day. I fantasize about them all the time, but this year is not the time.” Click the green title to see the whole story.

Oct 7
Oct 7 Podcast ~ "The day I had my first abortion was the best day of my life because it gave me the life I've had ever since, and I've had a wonderful life."

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Two Abortions, California, Audio

“It’s important to share our stories so that people understand. It’s particularly important for young women who are faced with these choices to feel it’s an OK choice to make. It’s not a selfish choice. It’s a choice you are making for the good of your future, your children’s future and society’s future. “ Click the green title to access the audio.