My Medical Abortion was Easier than a Period.
To all the people getting a medical abortion, this is my story. I was terrified, but my process was easy.
I was assaulted, and found out about my pregnancy at only 3 weeks, so I was able to schedule as early as possible. The day of my abortion, I was 5w1d pregnant. They told me to expect to be there at least 6 hours, but I was only there for 3. It could have definitely been less if it were less busy, but I was happy with the time. I went into the center and gave a urine sample before filling out my medical history paperwork. Next, I was called in for a transvaginal ultrasound. While uncomfortable, there was nothing actually invasive about this process. The screen was next to me, where I couldn't see, but I chose to take a look at my baby at the end, before the technician left. After that, I gave a finger prick of blood to see if it's RH positive or negative. Mine was positive, so I didn't need an extra shot before taking my pill. As soon as I sat down, the counselor called me back, and we talked about my medical history, my situation, and how I feel. She assured me that given what I told her, I would feel relieved. Lastly, the doctor called me back and again confirmed my decision before giving me the first pill to swallow and a small bag with instructions and the others.
I felt no side effects at all during the first pill. Around 32 hours after following the first pill, I put the four remaining ones between my gums and cheeks for 30 minutes during my drive home. I got in the house and swallowed the remains (it tasted bad, but it was fine. Nothing to worry about.) I prepared a comfortable place in my bedroom with all the food and drinks I'll need, a bucket in case I get sick, and lots of extra maxi pads. I forgot to take the pain medicine I was prescribed, but it was a little late, so I decided I'd just deal with it.
I started having stomach cramps within 30 minutes or so. These felt no worse than period cramps, and they were significantly less painful than the stomach pains I had while actually pregnant. I remember thinking that the worst was yet to come. Over the first hour, I lay in bed reading through SYA stories and going to the bathroom periodically. There was almost nothing in my pad, but when I got up to use the bathroom, the blood clots would all come out there. It wasn't uncomfortable or painful. I felt 100% relieved when on the toilet. By the second hour after taking the pills, I didn't have to use the bathroom anymore. I was confused that the pain was over. Was that really it? I had VERY light bleeding for the next three days, and I just wore a pantyliner. I was worried that the abortion wasn't complete, so they scheduled me to come back for my follow-up early. Turns out the whole pregnancy was gone. My abortion was actually just easy and nearly painless. I couldn't believe it. And I've never felt so relieved. I know women do it all the time, but I couldn't carry my rapist's baby. I don't regret my decision and never will.
I'm writing to let everyone know my experience because some of the stories I read had me terrified. If you have an extremely early abortion, it might be really hard like a lot of stories say, but it also might just be easy.
This story was shared from our partners at Shout Your Abortion.
