Marie's Story

I don't have an abortion story to tell. But I can tell you that sex isn't something I look forward to on a daily basis. Up until I was 21, I was a virgin. Then one night, that changed. I ended up having too much to drink and went home with a guy who is a "sort-of" friend. We ended up having sex. He used a condom at first, then took it off. I thought it was the worst experience I've ever had.

To make a long story short, I was afraid of being pregnant. I don't want children, and I don't have the means or lifestyle that would allow for one. My mother had had a diffcult time having me, and she ended up having two ceasarean sections. I wasn't about to let that type of thing into my life. I didn't want to be pregnant. And I didn't want something to ruin my life. So I did the smart thing-within the 72-hour time frame I went to the emergency room of a hospital. Even though the doctor told me he wouldn't normally prescribe emergency contraception, he did it for me. I took the pills and then ended up having my period two weeks later. I took one pregnancy test after another and they all ended up negative. I got another period again this month, and I'm grateful to say that I didn't end up pregnant (my mother is grateful too).

I can't even know what it's like to have to think about abortion. The reason I'm telling my story is this: sex is nothing to play with. It's scary to think you might be pregnant and then have to make a lot of decisions that scare you. I know I was scared. I feel guilty even two months later that I did this. I am going to the gyno and I'm going to get on birth control (my periods are very hellish). Mainly I want to keep myself protected. I commend all of the girls on here who tell their stories, to let other women know that out there you are not alone.

The scare of pregnancy sticks with me even now. But at least I know that if I ever do have sex again, I'm going to be careful. Even one time can make you pregnant. And for those who scream and moan about how "bad" abortion is, read these stories. It is NOT your place to tell anyone what to do. It's personal.

Marie
25 May 2004