“I could not imagine what my life would be like if I did not have an abortion, but I know it wouldn’t be better.”
In this story, a client discusses their experience accessing abortion care and their feelings surrounding abortion, both at the time of the treatment and six years later.
I found out I was pregnant a few years after my first nephew died in infancy. I was lucky enough to have such a supportive mother, who did not judge me and agreed that this was the correct choice for me.
“Feeling sad is completely okay.”
I want everyone to know it’s important that feeling sad is completely okay.
I knew an abortion was the right choice for me. I never want to have kids. I had a choice. I made the correct choice for me. It’s okay if an abortion is not the correct choice for you.
Even 6 years later I still feel sad and guilty sometimes, feeling like I took a grandchild away from my parents so soon after my nephew, but that’s okay. I could not imagine what my life would be like if I did not have an abortion, but I know it wouldn’t be better.
It’s okay to feel sad, it is okay to feel like you made the wrong choice. That’s what current events are telling us these days.
“I will never regret my choice”
Most of my immediate family do not know about this choice I made. I wish they did so I didn’t feel like I was hiding such a big secret from them.
I still feel sad, but I will never ever regret my choice.
It is normal to feel a range of different emotions after an abortion. You might feel relieved or sad, or maybe a mixture of feelings. 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.
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.
