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A client shares her experience of a surgical abortion at MSI

Stories  •  6 May 2022  • 5 min read

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“It is your choice and no one else’s. You do not need to explain or justify that choice. Only you know what is right for you and your future. ”  

A client shares her experience of a surgical abortion at MSI

“I am so, so grateful for the care I received at MSI, and I am writing this because I want all women out there who are reading this and considering abortion to know that it is completely normal and acceptable.” 

I was 33 when I found out I was pregnant. It was a complete shock as I had only been with my partner for a few months. I had always wanted children but my circumstances at the time meant I was not ready to support a child emotionally or financially and neither was my partner. I was in a minimum wage job and my partner didn’t work. My partner also suffered with severe mental health issues; we were living apart and arguing constantly. He would not have been able to support a child and I did not want to be tied to him forever. I still had so many dreams for the future; to travel more, to progress my career, to get married, buy a house and be in a stable situation before having kids. 

“And I know when I am ready to have children one day, I will be able to give them the best possible life.”

I wasn’t sure I wanted an abortion at first because I was raised in a Christian household and was brought up to believe certain things about an abortion. 

I kept wondering why I felt so terrified for the future, sad and alone when bringing a child into the world is “supposed” to be a good thing. It took me a while to realise that the reason I was feeling this way was because it was not the right time for me, or the right person to have a child with. Once I made the decision, I knew it was the right one because I felt a weight had been lifted and that I was free. All the stress, anxiety, fear and panic just melted away and when I looked into the future, I remember feeling happy and filled with hope.  

“It was the most positive experience I have had in a healthcare setting ever!”

I chose a surgical abortion under light sedation (asleep) as by the time my appointment was booked, I was 15 weeks pregnant. It was a straightforward procedure for me. From start to finish it took about three weeks.

The hardest part was walking past the protesters at my first appointment. No-one has the right to tell you what to do with your body and it bothered me that they judged me without knowing my situation. However, everyone at MSI was amazing and made the experience so easy.

The receptionist at my first appointment went out of her way to find me a surgery in my hometown. When I arrived, the nurses and staff were so nice and smiley, and the anaesthetist made me feel at ease. When I woke up, I was given tea and biscuits, antibiotics, and the nurses called me a taxi home and didn’t even charge me for it. I only bled slightly for one day. The emotional toll was heavier but that had more to do with my own feelings of inadequacy around not being able to provide for a child that otherwise would have been wanted.  

“All the stress, anxiety, fear and panic just melted away and when I looked into the future, I remember feeling happy and filled with hope.”

I am so, so grateful for the care I received at MSI, and I am writing this because I want all women out there who are reading this and considering abortion to know that it is completely normal and acceptable. It is your choice and no one else’s. You do not need to explain or justify that choice. Only you know what is right for you and your future.  

I learned a lot from my experience and have come out a better person for it. I am more focused on my goals and living life to the fullest. And I know when I am ready to have children one day, I will be able to give them the best possible life. 

Read more abortion stories

Sharing stories is at the heart of ending the stigma that too many women still feel when it comes to abortion.

“Once I made the decision, I knew it was the right one because I felt a weight had been lifted and that I was free.”


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