Hi, My Name Is Beth.

Hi. I'm Beth, and I had a medication abortion in California in 2018.

I found out I was pregnant when I missed my period while I was on tour in Vermont, and my first thought was: "Goddamnit! I don't want to be stuck with this, waiting until I can get to a doctor. Now I have to figure out and deal with all the steps to end the pregnancy while my boyfriend, who impregnated me, doesn't miss a day of working his dream job in another country." I decided to have a medication abortion because I didn't want to be pregnant, let alone become a parent, with someone who wasn't ready.

I received my abortion pills from a clinic.

From start to finish, the process was more steps than I would have liked. I took the pills at home in my apartment, and I felt a little scared but mostly relieved. What surprised me most was how the abortion pill was like jumpstarting a late period. I had cramps and bleeding that subsided with ibuprofen and a heating pad.

Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to buy a house and have the career I want. I felt responsible and in control of my life. I also felt emotional from the hormone changes and amazed at what my body can do. I dealt with anger and resentment for my boyfriend, who didn't have to wait or weather any physical repercussion. I think I would be an excellent mother, but this was not the right time or person. Afterward, I felt very done with sex and men.

I'm sharing my story because words like "abortion" are kept taboo as if they are rare and monstrous, when the reality is that abortions are normal and right.

Medication abortion allowed me to end an unwanted pregnancy with someone who didn't want to be a father.