I had a termination in 2001 when I was 17 and would do exactly the same again

By anonymous on 12/02/2014
marie stopes

I had a termination in 2001, when I was 17. I made the decision freely, without duress from anybody and although the procedure wasn't pleasant I came away from the clinic (run by Marie Stopes) feeling like I was back in control of my life.

It wasn't a planned pregnancy (contraception failure) and I was on the poverty line as it was, without bringing a baby into the awful conditions I was living in.

Surprisingly I have not turned out to be a child abuser, and I have since had 3 very healthy and beautiful children. I do not physically or sexually abuse them in any way, my love for them is entirely appropriate.

I am also not affected mentally by my previous termination, I'm not depressed or psychotic in any way. I'm also very healthy, no breast cancer for me yet!

I feel sad about my termination, if I'd been older and in a better position I would probably have continued the pregnancy, but if I could turn back time I'd do things exactly the same way.

And should my daughter find herself in a difficult position in the future I will support whatever decision she makes, and show her real evidence and real studies, not ones made up from pro-life charlatans.

There you go. That's my story.

Editor's comment

Thanks for sharing your story. I don't know if your comments were prompted by recent press about poor counselling and biased information? CareConfidential would completely disagree with such practices particularly with a vulnerable person who has an unintended pregnancy. If a woman is concerned about pro-life agendas, she should check that a practitioner, or a pregnancy centre adheres to the BACP code of ethics which upholds giving accurate, unbiased information, and a woman's right to make her own personal choices.

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