Hi, My Name Is Steph.

Hi. I'm Steph and I had a medication abortion in Washington in 2023.

I found out I was pregnant when I missed a period but thought it was just stress from recently losing my mom and in the middle of home renovations, and my first thought was, "this can't be happening, this can't be happening.” I decided to have a medication abortion because no part of me wanted a child. I never have, and my husband felt the same way. I gave myself a few days to sit with the thought of being pregnant and a potential child, and no part of me had any desire for that.

I received my abortion pills through telehealth.

From start to finish, the process was easy, affordable, and life saving. I took the pills at home, and I felt okay mentally for the most part. It was just a weird experience to go through but I'm extremely grateful I had the choice and resources. It was painful, but I'd make that same choice a million times over. What surprised me most was how in control I was, the relief I felt afterwards, and how I have not experienced any regret whatsoever. It also surprised me at how intense the cramps got, but once I passed the tissue, the pain subsided pretty quickly.

Because I had access to medication abortion, I was able to breathe, live my life, keep my job, not fall into a pit of despair, be more appreciative of my body. I felt freedom, relief, peace of mind, confident, self-assured that I made the right decision.

I'm sharing my story because I had a safe and effective abortion in the comfort of my own home, with the support of my husband. No one should feel alone or embarrassed, no one should have to travel long distances or risk persecution or safety to access an abortion, and EVERYBODY deserves safe and accessible healthcare.

Medication abortion is life-saving, is healthcare, and has been deeply misunderstood and weaponized.