Dorothy FadimanI had a back-alley abortion, blindfolded, without anesthetic when abortion was illegal in the United States.
How old are you: Between
72
and 78
Country of birth: United States
Year of abortion:
1962
Reason for abortion: financial issues, my education, my age (too young or old), problems with my relationship, my personal reasons for not wanting a child, mental health reasons
I had no money (I was deeply in debt with student loans), no partner, the only way I could support myself and a child, eventually, when I was ready, was to finish my education. I was working full time in a cafeteria to cover room and board while going to college full time.
Feelings about abortion: trapped, angry, ashamed, guilty, afraid, sad
No one I knew ever talked about abortion in 1962. I learned many years later, that women were dying in county and state hospitals across America from infections following illegal and self-induced abortions. But when I began to look for one, it was taboo to even say the word.
Religion Judaism
Children: 2
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