Hi, My Name Is Sam

Hi. I'm Sam and I had a medication abortion in Louisiana in 2009.

I found out I was pregnant when I was 17 after throwing up my favorite meal, and my first thought was, “how did this happen?” I decided to have a medication abortion because the condom broke, and when I told the father, he enlisted into the military to avoid helping with the baby.

I received my abortion pills through a clinic.

From start to finish, the process was quick and the nurses never judged me or made me feel like I was wrong for choosing me. I took the pills at home, and I felt scared and in pain. What surprised me most was the amount of blood and how painful the cramps were. They told me it would be like a period, but it was worse.

Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to graduate on time, and grow up. I later had a child with my husband. I felt relief.

I'm sharing my story because no one should be shamed for choosing themselves.

Medication abortion is a necessary medical procedure.