Hi, My Name Is Emma.

Hi. I'm Emma and I had a medication abortion in Virginia in both 2025 and 2026.

I found out I was pregnant when I wasn't late on my period both times, but somehow my body knew, and my first thought was, "1st time: ain't no fu****ng way… 2nd time: I cannot BELIEVE this is happening again.” I decided to have a medication abortion because I am not ready for children, nor do I want them. I cannot afford a child, nor do I have what it takes to be a good mother at this point in my life. I was 22 for my first, and 23 for my second. I am freshly out of college, and less than a year into my entry-level job. I had no doubt in my mind that an abortion was the right decision (both times), as the life I worked so hard for would be entirely over.

I received my abortion pills through telehealth in the mail.

From start to finish, the process the first time was dreadful, traumatic, painful… second time was dreadful, ashamed, but supported. I took the pills at HOME in MY BED, and I felt horribly nervous, and physically sick from the anxiety (both times). However, my first abortion was much more painful than my second, and I was even further along the second time around! The only difference is that I took mifepristone 24 hours before beginning misoprostol. The first time around, I took misoprostol only six hours after taking mifepristone. Based on my experience(s), giving the first dose enough time to really block the pregnancy hormone made a world of a difference for how much pain I was in. What surprised me most the first time was I did not bleed at all until one week after I took misoprostol, and the cramping was the most intense sensation I had ever felt. The pain was agonizing, and I was afraid that the medication was not working properly. The second time, when I waited to take misoprostol 24 hours after mifepristone, the cramping was much less intense, and I was bleeding even before taking misoprostol.

Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to remain independent, continue my career, move into a new apartment, and move forward as a stronger woman knowing I have dealt with what I consider to be "the worst of the worst" -- i.e. getting pregnant. I felt free that I was able to maintain control of my own life.

I'm sharing my story because women who go through with having an abortion have already won a battle that no one else sees. Women who have abortions know what is best for them and are not afraid to take a "leap of faith" for their own best interest, even in the face of judgement and shame.

Medication abortion a right to remain in control of your own life.