Joanna

My boyfriend was the only person who knew of my abortion before it happened. He was supportive for the most part while I was pregnant and during the operation. After the operation, I had spoken to two of my friends however they did not show me support or non-support. Their reaction was rather numb.

I had cried a lot, because I was scared and felt very sad and guilty at the time. I cried so much, I made a student nurse cry, and then I felt even more horrible. A nurse gave me a pill to calm me down, but I don't think it did anything. I was then sedated to a half awaken state, but I don't remember much, it seemed as the operation went over very quickly.

I was too young, didn't have the support of family to raise a child and was not financially able to provide.

From the pregnancy to the operation to now, I know I have made the right decision for myself. I feel ashamed, disappointed, stupid and irresponsible that I had let it happen in the first place. During the operation I was mostly afraid. And after the operation I felt guilty and I grieved for the baby, but at the same time I am relieved and happy. I have chosen to live my life that I've always dreamed of having. The situation is a reminder to do good with my life - to do whatever I wouldn't have been able to do if I had that baby. I gave myself a second chance.