“Four weeks later I feel it was the right decision and am grateful how simple and supportive the treatment was.”
Share your story as part of a new documentary film
MSI UK is working with a BAFTA and Emmy-winning production company on a documentary film that follows the stories of people considering and seeking a surgical abortion. We’re looking for people interested in sharing their story and being featured in the documentary.
This client shares their story of having a medical abortion at five weeks pregnant after becoming pregnant unexpectedly, as well as their experience using our counselling services before and after treatment.
At 38 years old, with two children from a previous relationship, I never imagined myself being faced with considering an abortion.
After my last visit to my partner (who was working abroad) I became pregnant – to our surprise. I had a positive test result at around 5 weeks. My reaction was mixed.
“My reaction was mixed.”
Part of me felt blessed, and part of me felt panic.
In different countries, I shared the news with my partner. The days that followed we spent a lot of time discussing our options. We were faced with the reality that, due to our situation, we would not be able to share this pregnancy journey together and we had no certainty when we could reside in the same country. It seemed unfair for everybody.
““I reached out to the MSI UK counselling, and they were so supportive and compassionate.”
I cried so much in the days preparing for what I knew deep down was the best decision for us. It was hard to let go of something I also believed to be so precious.
I reached out to the MSI UK counselling, and they were so supportive, compassionate, and at all times I felt autonomy in this decision – there was no pressure either way.
“I was able to have the medical abortion at home.”
At nearly 7 weeks pregnant I was able to have the medical abortion at home.
This was important as I had no one to look after my children, and I wanted to honour the pregnancy by creating a ritual-like process; which I felt I could only do from home.
Taking the first tablet was the hardest step. For the next 24 hours my mind was in turmoil – even considering not taking the second lot of tablets.
“I took [the tablets] at night after my children went to bed, and on the phone to my partner for support”
I did go ahead and take the second lot of tablets, which I took at night after my children went to bed, and on the phone to my partner for support. Three hours later I took the two extra tablets as well as pain relief medication and went to sleep. I woke up to some cramping and passing of the pregnancy, and bleeding like a really heavy period.
“Emotionally, I needed more support – and MSI’s counselling service has been helpful.”
The physical experience and recovery was straightforward. Emotionally, I needed more support – and MSI’s counselling service has been helpful. Four weeks later I feel it was the right decision and am grateful how simple and supportive the treatment was.
At MSI Reproductive Choices, we provide free (NHS-funded), confidential counselling services as part of abortion care. Our counselling team is available any time you need to talk before, during and after your treatment, even if your abortion was some years ago.
Read more abortion stories
Sharing stories is at the heart of ending the stigma that too many people still feel when it comes to abortion.
