Maree
It was sad but necessary
2006 Australia
What were your feelings about doing the abortion/s?
I cried for months on end. To this day, I feel sad and at the time I felt terrible religious guilt. It was a silly contraceptive error and if I'd never been pregnant, I would have been happy not to ever get pregnant. It's good now though, to write about my abortion without judgement. Before the abortion I thought "I could never do that". But, Even though I hated doing it, I'm eternally greatful abortion was safe, legal and affordable. I would have brought an unwanted child into a life of poverty. It would have been an only child as well. I grew up on a bad family and the last thing I wanted to do was bring someone else up on a bad situation. The whole experience really woke me up - I could never again judge others for making mistakes or getting into trouble - and no matter what decision a woman makes I could never ever judge her. My one suggestion to others would be: don't freak out like I did - get the counselling if you want it before you go ahead with the abortion.
How did you do the abortion?
We were young, old, fat, thin, rough, posh, alone or with sad looking partners - all of us were on a compassionately managed conveyor belt through the clinic. It was efficient and sad. I wish now I'd booked in for the counselling they offered me but inward in such a blind panic that I just wanted it over with.
What was your situation at this time?
I was so trapped - no family support, 3 month old relationship, contract at horrible employer about to end, too old really to have a 1st child, and no house of my own. And the father did not want it. It was a terrible time.
Ang iligalidad ng iyong pagpapalaglag ay nakakaapekto sa iyong damdamin?
No.
Ano ang reaksyon ng ibang tao sa iyong pagpapalaglag?
My partner with relief - he never wanted it; Some friends were great, they were kind and understanding; Other people judged me - friendships ended.
legal/illegal
What is your religion?
Julieta Iovaldi Curutchet
Decidí desde el principio no compartir esa experiencia con la pareja de ese…