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."