Twenty-one years ago, I had an abortion. I was not told of the aftermath that it would cause. I went on a downward spiral. I was suicidal, depressed, anxious, impatient, nervous. I suffered alot of guilt & condemnation. I turned to drugs, alcohol & sex to "cope." I felt like no one cared.
Having the abortion completely destroyed my relationships. I still have problems with relationships. I had trouble accepting what had happened. I was only 16 years old. I didn't understand why my mother, with whom I still don't have a relationship with, would let me do that. She basically told me that I had to have it done. The baby's father (ironically, his family is "pro-life" Christian) didn't want to have it done, he later abused me and I tolerated the abuse for several years because I thought I "deserved" it. It only made matters worse. His family even suffered guilt for not informing me.
Legally, I don't think that abortion should be legal. I don't understand how they (the abortion clinic) could allow a 16-year-old (a minor) decide on a risky procedure and give consent to allow her child to be killed, without parental consent. I mean, aren't parents legally responsible for their children until the age of 18 or unless they are emancipated? Well, I didn't see it this way at the time, because I WAS A CHILD (I had the mentality of a child; still dependent upon my parents for guidance and support). I may have gotten pregnant, but I obviously didn't have a close, loving relationship with my parents; even if they "forced me" to have an abortion. It should be wrong.
I was not informed. It is my job, now, to find peace and solace; to educate women and inform them of their choices, because they do have a "right to choose," I think their "choice" should be based on FACTS. I wasn't given the "facts" and this is why I choose to be "Silent No More."