No RegretsNo Regrets

Earlier this year, I had a medical abortion at 5 weeks and 2 days. I’ve been in a monogamous relationship for 5+ years, and we both love kids and eventually want some of our own. But not now, and not then. It wasn't the time; we were both in college in specialty programs, living with our parents, and neither of us had a job. We could barely take care of ourselves. When I have children, I want to do what's right by them and give them the best that I have. It simply was not the right time.

At first, I was scared. I grew up in an overly religious family that completely disagreed with abortion. I’ve heard so many rumors about how it will ruin your future chances of having a baby, about how painful it is, about the depression that comes after.

 Then, I was angry and regretful with myself. For not being more careful, for putting myself in this situation where I had to choose. I've always wanted to be a mother, after all, but why now?

 Finally, I was determined. It wasn't the right time. I talked to my boyfriend, and he supported my decision no matter what I chose to do. So, I decided to go with the medical abortion.

This is simply my experience at 5 weeks and 2 days. For me, it was very simple. I went to Planned Parenthood, I got checked, and I got the pills. I took the 2nd set the next day. I had some cramping, but it was just like heavy period pain. There were lots of clots for 5 hours until I passed the largest one. After that, it was just medium period-level bleeding with light, occasional cramps. No horror story here – just a woman, without regrets. It was the right thing to do for ME. The overwhelming feeling I had was relief, NOT regret or depression.

I hope everyone in a similar situation can have at least one person supportive of their choice. But even if they don't, it's so important to make your decision for your body. Only you know yourself well enough to know what you can handle.