Rayma's Story

Hello. My name is Rayma and I am 25. I was 19 when I unexpectedly got pregnant. I was terrified. I still lived at home with my parents and the guy I was dating and pregnant to was in a rehabilitation center for alcohol and drugs. I had no one to turn to. He was gone and I knew I couldn't go to anyone in my family. I knew how they all felt about abortion. My boyfriend insisted I get one done. I didn't know what I wanted. I knew we were not able to care for a child financially, physically or emotionally. I also knew I did not want to bring a baby into this world under the conditions that I was in with the father being an alcoholic. I made a few appointments and ended up canceling a few too!

I finally felt as though I had no other choice but to go through with it. On August 8, 1992, which is my sister's birthday, I had my abortion. I felt so alone, I did not have a very good support system. Reading other woman's stories it all comes back to me.

Now married and the mother of two gorgeous children, I sometimes wonder what my child would be like had I not had it done. Or how my child would interact with my other two. I even wonder what he/she would look like. I know that I did the best thing I could but it is still very hard at times to sit and think about it. My husband is wonderful. I shared my experience with him. He is my support system now!! I try not to dwell on the past but try to think about my future with my husband and children and I think I'm OK.

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