Hi, My Name Is Melissa.

Hi. I'm Melissa, and I had a medication abortion in California in 2019.

I found out I was pregnant when I started getting nauseous in the morning and took a couple of tests, and my first thought was, "Oh my god I am not ready. I don’t have the emotional tools to be a good mother.” I decided to have a medication abortion because I know that it’s safe and it was the best option for that stage of pregnancy.

I received my pills through a clinic.

From start to finish, the process was simple, but nerve-wracking. I took the pills at home, and I felt relieved. What surprised me most was the lack of side-effects.

Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to change jobs, move into my own apartment, and emotionally mature. I felt like I had control of my life again and could dictate where my life could go next. Having a child when you’re not ready puts you in survival mode and it’s impossible to grow and change if you’re just surviving.

I'm sharing my story because all women and all families should dictate when they have children and how many they have. I would have had an infant when my partner lost their job to COVID. I would have had to stay at a job I hated and had me working until 2 AM. There are people who have to make worse decisions like staying with an abusive partner, in unsafe housing or working conditions, or raise a child on their own and no one should have to be forced into those positions.

Medication abortion Is safe and should remain available.