Hi, My Name Is Joan.
Hi. I'm Joan, and I had a medication abortion in Tennessee in 2026.
I found out I was pregnant when my super regular period was 4 weeks late, and my first thought was absolute horror, no mixed feelings; this couldn’t be happening. I decided to have a medication abortion for so many reasons: I’m 25, I want to live MY life, I want to further my education, I want to travel with my friends and my long-term boyfriend, I want a home for me. I want to use my money for all these things and more and not for a child I’ve never even imagined having. I work outside very physically, and travel, a pregnancy and baby are not compatible. I want to rescue animals and care for the environment. I want to use my care to uplift others and dedicate myself to my community. I am not meant to use my care to raise a child.
I received my abortion pills by mail.
From start to finish, the process was empowering, supportive, and relieving. I took the pills at home, and I felt anxious but ready for whatever would come. What surprised me most was the comfort and community I felt, while not physically with me, I felt connected to others who have been in this situation. And so grateful to be able to access this care. I felt stronger than ever about how vital access to this care and autonomy is for all people who can experience pregnancy. The fear moved into so much gratitude.
Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to keep living, in every possible meaning of that. I felt in control, hopeful, like my future was being put back on the correct trajectory. I could be myself again.
I'm sharing my story because abortion is safe. More than safe abortion saves lives. Abortion is freedom. This is necessary care that keeps us free, healthy, and alive.
Medication abortion protects and saves lives. Abortion is normal. If you’ve had an abortion or think you might, you are not alone. You are supported and in good company. Do what is right for you and your future. It is not selfish. Your future is worth fighting for.
