Hi, My Name Is Jackie.

Hi. I'm Jackie, and I had a medication abortion in California in 2013.

I found out I was pregnant when I went to urgent care for a stomach flu, and they gave me a routine pregnancy test, and my first thought was: "This is the worst possible timing."

I decided to have a medication abortion because I had just left my husband, and I already had 2 young children. I was underemployed, and my future was uncertain. The last thing I wanted was to have another baby at this time.

I got my abortion pills from a clinic.

From start to finish, the process was surprisingly easy, human, and comforting. I took the pills at home, and I felt relieved. What surprised me most was how caring all of the clinic providers were and how seamless the process was. Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to rebuild my life after my divorce. I met my new partner, and we had a baby together a few years later on our schedule.

I felt endlessly grateful that I was able to get the healthcare I needed during that stressful time.

I'm sharing my story because everyone should have access to the healthcare they need when they need it.

Medication abortion is a godsend and one of many tools available in supporting women's health.