Despite this, I managed to put myself through university while working night shifts cleaning gyms. Eventually, I completed my degree, secured my dream career, and purchased a home to provide stability for my child and me. When I accidentally became pregnant in my mid-20s, I was, in theory, in a much better place both financially and emotionally. I had just clawed my life back, learned what it took to be a single parent while working, and finally enjoyed a level of independence and freedom.
When I sought an abortion before decriminalisation I went to a clinic hidden down a backstreet. I felt immense shame and conflict about why I was making this choice now versus when I was younger. However, I knew it was the best decision for my son, ensuring he could access opportunities I had not had, and allowing me to celebrate the life I had worked so hard to build. Continuing the pregnancy would have made this impossible.
Looking back now, ten years later, I am in a safe, stable, and happy marriage, and my son is a teenager. I truly believe that the abortion I had then saved both of our lives and provided a future for us that I could never have imagined at the time.
We had 1 incidence of unprotected sex and after much deliberation I decided to take Plan B which ended up not working.
Attending catholic school and having the nuns show us films that were abortion propaganda also reinforced the 'anti-abortion' view.
I had a relatively new relationship I liked and thought a child not wanted by both, would jeopardise a relationship I was happy in, for one as a single parent.
When I spoke to my GP, she was amazing, was completely non-judgemental, and offered a referral and support letter for access to an abortion, if I wanted one.
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