Hi YYB,
I had an abortion at 41. I was happily married, the mother of three teens, and not willing to go through parenthood again. "Abortion is legal" I told myself as I called my gynecologist to schedule an early D&C. Legal, yes. Readily available, no.
Not only would he consider performing the operation, his staff would not refer me to a medical professional who would. I found a local Planned Parenthood chapter and called them. They had to call me back for fear I was a kook trying to get info. to infiltrate the office. I had to go twice: once for counseling, the second time two and a half weeks later for the abortion. I walked through the line of men dressed in mock monk's robes holding blown-up photos of third trimester abortions.My husband held my hand through the procedure and we both cried about this terribly difficult choice we made. It was the right choice for our family.
We told each of our three children about this. We've told our friends and acquaintances when the subject comes up. This was a very sad choice to make, but one that I'm glad I could make. I only hope that if anyone I love, or even know casually, ever has to make this choice, it will continue to be available, safely and without shame. |
