My first abortion was at 24 when I was living in Oregon. I found out at about eight weeks. I had no money, a gig job and lived across the country from everyone I knew. It took me one day to file for help from the state and receive it. From finding out I was pregnant to going in for the abortion pills took three days. I have never felt any regret.
Let’s skip ahead some years. When I was 31 I entered an abusive relationship that had a hold on my life for two years. At the end of the relationship when all was going to hell, my abuser told me he wanted to get me pregnant and had been trying without my consent. We broke up— and seven weeks later I found out I was pregnant.
At this time Kansas had only 2 abortion clinics in the whole state, and no funding.
Luckily I had the support of friends, that got me through the second. I went in for the in-clinic operation that took about ten minutes. I felt relief after it honestly, knowing that bringing a child in the world when I was again, not financially able and in a toxic relationship would only create harm.
I want women to know there is solidarity out there.