“I know my body well enough to know that having a baby was not the right thing for me at this point in my life.”
This person tells their story of accessing a medical abortion at our Oxford clinic, after becoming pregnant aged 43 following past fertility challenges.
At 43, and with a 1% chance of getting pregnant, I was astonished when the line kept turning blue.
After years of irregular periods, fertility treatments, chronic health conditions and miscarriages, this was the age my body decided to play ball. I was totally shocked and numb about what to do.
On the one hand, complete elation and excitement, and on the other, the memories and pain of times gone by.
It took a while to decide, however, I know my body well enough to know that having a baby was not the right thing for me at this point in my life.
“There was no judgement or lengthy questioning, she simply provided all the information.”
Next thing was to find information on next steps. MSI UK was the first organisation that came up on my search and their information and support made everything easier from that point forward. I read everything on their website and booked online for an initial appointment. Luckily, I only had to wait one day for the appointment and by then I was armed with all the information needed to explore the option of a medical abortion.
The lady I spoke to on the phone was amazing. There was no judgement or lengthy questioning, she simply provided all the information simply and clearly. I could tell she only had my best interests at heart. After our initial consultation she booked me in for a face-to-face appointment at a local clinic (3 days later).
“The space was calm, and all the staff were friendly and welcoming.”
Walking up to the clinic was overwhelming but as soon as I was buzzed in things got easier. The space was calm, and all the staff were friendly and welcoming, I felt no judgement. The midwife who saw me, and the technicians who did my scan etc., were all lovely, knowledgeable and supportive. I did not feel rushed and everything I needed for a safe medical abortion, and assessment of contraception, was explained thoroughly. I left the clinic feeling well informed and supported.
Step one of the medical abortion was fine, no side effects. Step two was difficult and painful*. Being at home in familiar surroundings certainly helped as did the level of information I had been given.
*Every person is different and will experience different levels of pain and bleeding throughout the process. Find out more about pain and medical abortion here.
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.
