Abortion is still a very taboo subject. Many people are even opposed to the practice. In some countries, it’s actually illegal. That said, I believe we must ultimately respect everyone’s choices.
For as long as I can remember, I told myself that I would never be that kind of person—that I would never be capable of doing that. My decision was made for the well-being of my family and that child. I wasn’t mentally capable of taking care of another person; I had to start by taking care of myself and getting my life back on track.
I’ve always supported women who are victims of rape having an abortion. But for a consenting, sexually active couple, I always thought, “One more or one less—at this point, they should have thought about it beforehand.” These days, there’s no shortage of birth control options. How can we not use them if we know we don’t want children right now?
Now I understand. Sometimes accidents happen. Sometimes, even when we take precautions, we can get pregnant. Sometimes, life changes all at once. You find yourself unemployed, one of your children is seriously ill, or you have to care for a family member; you’re in the midst of a depression, and so on. Choosing abortion to get your life back on track isn’t a bad decision. It’s a decision that will undoubtedly be very hard to make, but in the end, it will be the wisest decision you’ve ever made. Carrying a child and giving birth is magical. However, if you’re not at peace with yourself and can’t take care of that little being, it would be a much worse situation.
I certainly don’t mean to suggest you should take any of this lightly. If abortion is your method of birth control, I still believe it’s time for you to grow up and take responsibility—by using the birth control that’s so readily available.
To you, the woman who had to make this decision, the mom who had to put her plans to expand her family on hold: know that you made the right decision. You’re not alone. One day at a time….
To you, my little star, I loved you even though you were with us for only four weeks. I will never stop loving you; I know I made the best decision for those who might have been your brothers and sisters. You are as much a part of me as they are. I love you and will always love you, even though our time together was brief.
Anonymous