Hello, I’m Mia, and I chose to have an abortion. I made a choice. A choice that is once again in jeopardy. This looming threat has motivated me to share my experience.
At ten weeks into my anticipated pregnancy, an ultrasound revealed serious issues with our baby. By twelve weeks, we received a dismal prognosis. It was an incredibly heart-wrenching and tense period. There was no possible outcome where we could expect to have a healthy child. The decision to terminate the pregnancy was profoundly sad, complex, and weighty, compounded further by the stigma surrounding abortion and my fears of how others would perceive me.
I haven’t openly discussed my decision for various reasons. Primarily, I wanted to avoid the judgment and potential negativity that could arise from what was an intensely personal and difficult choice—one that should have been nobody else’s concern.
Yet, I find myself considering whether this should indeed be your concern. Perhaps it’s my responsibility to talk about my decision. If you can connect a face to this issue, it may help make it more relatable for you. The truth is, whether you realize it or not, this topic is already personal to you.
One in four women will experience an abortion by the age of 45. You likely know friends, family, and loved ones who have undergone or will undergo this procedure. Many of these women may choose to keep their stories private due to the stigma and emotions attached. By remaining silent, we may avoid judgment, but we also risk keeping others in the dark about how many people utilize this essential medical service.
Initially, I thought I didn’t know anyone who had had an abortion. However, as I began to share my own story, many friends and family members opened up about their experiences. It was comforting to learn that I wasn’t alone in my choice and that women I admire and love have faced similar decisions.
Engaging in open and honest discussions about what abortion signifies for those who oppose access to it, as well as for the one in four women like me, is crucial at this moment. Given how sensitive and emotionally charged this topic is, discussing opposing viewpoints can be challenging.
But it’s necessary.
I hope we can summon the courage and maturity to engage in these essential conversations so that individuals on both sides can fully grasp the weight of their beliefs and the implications of their votes. This isn’t easy, nor should it be. We are discussing the lives of people—not just the unborn children, but also the countless girls and women who, for various reasons, find themselves pregnant and choose to terminate their pregnancies. That’s countless individuals who may be forced into parenthood against their will.
There will always be circumstances where someone feels the need for a safe and legal option for ending a pregnancy, and they should have the right to that choice, regardless of anyone else’s feelings.
I’m Mia. I deeply value life, but I don’t believe it’s my place or the government’s to dictate what another woman should do regarding her pregnancy. Let’s start a conversation.
This article was originally published on Sep. 7, 2023.
For those interested in exploring more about pregnancy and home insemination, I recommend checking out this excellent resource here. Additionally, if you’re on a fertility journey, consider reading about the cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo for further insights. Also, for a comprehensive understanding of fertility, visit Science Daily.
In summary, sharing our stories about abortion can break the silence and stigma surrounding this crucial choice. Open dialogue is essential for understanding and respecting the diverse experiences of women.
Leave a Reply