Annabelle's Story

I'm 23 years old and had my abortion a few weeks ago. I was lucky in the sense that I was pretty much 100% certain of my decision beforehand. I was on the pill and had recently come out of a 6 year relationship, I got pregnant to my ex. Despite the fact that we are back together I feel no guilt about the abortion as I was using contraception. I had always said it would be what I'd do if I got pregnant, although I never thought it would actually happen. I have a temporary job, my partner is unemployed, we live with our parents and I didn't want a child .... maybe that sounds cold but I am far from it!

For me the experience was quick and painless. The staff at the clinic were lovely. After the op I had a glass of juice and a biscuit and was promptly sick, but then I met my boyfriend and friend in a nearby pub and it felt fantastic to have some food and a beer without being sick! My legs and lower back were really sore for a day or two and I bled lightly for a few days .... my appetite came back with a vengeance. I took two days off work so I could have a good sleep and pamper myself a bit!

I'm not pretending that I don't wonder what my child might have been like, but I am happy with my decision. The worst thing for me is feeling paranoid about the slight weight I gained during pregnancy as I'm far from a size 8! I realize that many women don't have as painless experiences of abortion as I did, but I urge you to go through with the op if it is what you want and not to be swayed by other people's opinions on the subject - ultimately its your life! I chose not to tell my family .... not because I was ashamed but because I knew it would cause them pain, particularly my mum as she is against abortion. I felt that it was not something they needed to know as I was determined to have the operation and it would all be over in a matter of weeks. If a stresshead like me can come out of the experience unscathed then you can too!!

I want to wish all women luck with whatever decision they make

Annabelle
February 20, 2007