Hi, My Name Is Rachel.

Hi. I'm Rachel and I had a medication abortion in Maryland in 2005.

I found out I was pregnant when I took a test, and my first thought was, “My baby girl is going to have a little brother or sister.” I decided to have a medication abortion because on Christmas Eve, I started bleeding and I went to the doctor and there was no heartbeat. I wanted to be at home with my husband and daughter on Christmas and not in the hospital.

I received my abortion pills through a clinic.

From start to finish, the process was sad, comforting, and loving. I took the pills at home, and I felt relief. My body could heal and we could try again. What surprised me most was how empowering it felt to have some control after this pregnancy had failed.

Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to heal my body and my heart and go on to have two more healthy babies. I felt relief and hope.

I'm sharing my story because these choices should belong to women, along with their partners and providers and not the government.

Medication abortion Is healthcare.