Phalicia

I chose to have my abortion by myself. I could not afford to pay for a medical abortion, and neither could my boyfriend. He and my sister were the only people that knew about it while it was going on. I was 14 weeks when I finally got the pills, and the first attempt failed. I tried again and had the thing in the toilet. It was about three inches long at that point and had spindly little arms that I will never forget as long as I live. I was a coward and flushed it without looking at it again--I regret not saying goodbye or something. I with I could have looked again. I immediately called my boyfriend, who was two hours away. Meanwhile, I carried on life as normally as I could. I finally broke down. I needed some sort or support, some consolation. I told my mother, and she was very upset that I did not go to her. I was about to start college and knew that having a baby would ruin my life. Also, my mother was a teen mother and encouraged my sisters and myself to wait until we were older to have sex. I had been with my boyfriend for about three years at the time. Unfortunately, I got pregnant again and had another abortion my first year of college. Since this, I have become more and more depressed. I am terrified that I won't be able to have children in the future, and I regret not having my babies. I would have a 15 month old and a 4 month old right now. While I know I did the right thing for my boyfriend and myself, I am still very guilty about the whole situation. My only hope is that I did not do any permanent damage to my body. I would be absolutely devestated if by throwing away my two children I ruined any chance of having more.

Phalicia
How old are you: Between 15 and 21

Year of abortion: 2007

Type of abortion: by myself

Devestating. I was terribly lonely and afraid, and cried for days. The hardest part was acting as though nothing was going on.

Reason for abortion: financial issues, my education, my age (too young or old)

I was about to start college, which was a big deal since I was a first generation college student

Feelings about abortion: grieving, irresponsible, trapped, selfish, numb, angry, confused, stupid, guilty, sad

My advice to others: Have it early. The earlier you have it, the less likely it will haunt you. You won't actually have to see the baby. I will never ever forget that.

Religion no religion

Children: i have no children