Lane's Story

I honestly can say I do not have any regrets that I had an abortion. September 1999 was what I thought was a wonderful time. I was seeing an old high school flame. And everything felt right. Unfortunately by the first week of October I realized I had become entangled with a man who was very depressed. I found out later that with all of his symptoms, very happy one moment and sad the next, he would probably be considered bi-polar.

The last week of October I realized I was pregnant. When I told him he seemed to be happy. Talked about eating healthy and staying fit. He went with me to the doctor so that I could make sure I really was pregnant. By the next morning his tune had changed he did not want another child. (He had two children from former girlfriends.) I told him I would make the final decision of what would happen.

I decided that I could not bring a child into this world without a husband. I am divorced and had a child from that marriage. I had always told her that you had to be married to have children.

Since that time I have heard different things about this man. I know now if I had had that child I would have had to deal with him for 18 years. As far as I know he has not gotten any help.

For me I have gone on with my life. I decided after that I was going to stay away from men until my daughter is grown. She is a young woman and at this point in her life she needs all of my attention.

I am thankfully that I had a choice. I hope the day never returns when women do not have a say in what they do with their bodies. I do think about that child occasionally but I know in my heart I did the right thing.

Lane
February 2004