“I really did not know how these things work…I was unfamiliar with UK healthcare.”
This client shares their story accessing medical abortion care, as an international student, at our Liverpool clinic.
Bear with me since this might be a little long, but I’d like to share my story in the hopes that it may help someone else in my situation.
I was 23, and in my final year of uni, when I found out that I was pregnant. It was my first ever pregnancy. Coming from a very religious family, as well as not having the financial ability or independence, I knew that I had to terminate my pregnancy.
It was through an internet search that I found out about MSI. I had to fill in some forms and wait for a call back to arrange my appointment. At first, I was so anxious because I really did not know how these things work, as I was an international student, so I was unfamiliar with UK healthcare.
I did indeed get a call back on the agreed date and time and was provided with an appointment within the same week at the Liverpool clinic.
“I got to ask as many questions as I liked and that made me feel very comfortable.”
The nurse at the clinic was gentle and very reassuring. She examined me with care and briefed me on the entire procedure and went over it with me a couple of times. I got to ask as many questions as I liked and that made me feel very comfortable.
I went for the medical abortion procedure, at-home. Every single time I dialled the aftercare line they responded quickly and treated me with the utmost care and respect.
“I do believe that abortion is healthcare.”
For me personally, my abortion went pretty smoothly. Although there were times I had pain, taking the painkillers helped. Within a couple of days I did not have to take painkillers any more. Throughout the bleeding period I did call the aftercare line a couple of times due to my anxiety, yet every single time they explained everything as well as listened to my concerns and treated me with kindness.
I do believe that abortion is healthcare and MSI is doing an excellent job at providing it.
If you’re ever in the situation that I was, I hope you know that you aren’t alone and that it’s a brave choice to make!
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.
