Hi, My Name Is Gina.

Hi. I'm Gina and I had a medication abortion in Pennsylvania in 1999.

I found out I was pregnant from a pregnancy test, and my first thought was very happy. I decided to have a medication abortion because my story pertains to the use of mifepristone to manage a miscarriage for a pregnancy that was very much wanted. When I learned that my pregnancy was not viable, it was comforting to be able to receive the care I needed without being subjected to probing questions or other hurdles. The process was easy and confidential, and the only discomfort I felt was some mild cramping.

Some may say, “Well, this wouldn’t happen, because exceptions would be made for miscarriages.” But the reality on the ground — particularly in states with near-total abortion bans — is quite different. Women have become seriously ill, or have even died, because doctors were afraid to prescribe mifepristone for miscarriage care, fearing retribution.