For all the women reading this, I hope this story gives you hope and strength because I promise, the process may be a lot easier than anticipated. Below is my story of a very positive … Read Story
I got this appointment booked for 2weeks time after I called BPAS. I asked for the consultation and abortion to be on the same day. I spoke to various people on the phone- as I … Read Story
I was twenty when I accidentally fell pregnant, I wasn’t ready for a baby and I was not with the person I wanted to have my family with. Abortion is such a taboo subject, I … Read Story
I was 19 and ended up unintentionally pregnant. There were lots of things I wanted to do with my life that I felt I couldn’t do if I had a baby – including go to … Read Story
I had an abortion in 2003. I was 38. At the clinic a nurse took me into a room and said “don’t think of it as an abortion. Think of it as an early miscarriage.” … Read Story
I’ve never had an abortion but my mum told me a few months ago that she had one before I was born and the only other person who knew was my dad. She was close … Read Story
I love my job because I love to make people happy. I’m a doctor providing prescriptions for medical abortion and procedures for surgical abortion. On a good day I see lots of clients who start … Read Story
I’ve had 6 rounds of IVF with 4 miscarriages and 1 amazing success – a beautiful little boy. Despite my personal struggles I am still pro choice. everyone’s circumstances are different – stand in their … Read Story
My abortion story would make me a criminal in my home country. (Ireland)
My daughter was ‘directed’ to have 2 abortion… due to her having epilepsy and the medication involved. There wasn’t really any debate or discussion.
I’ve just started an Msc in reproductive and sexual health – predominantly looking at developing countries. Two things have been particularly salient with me: 1) When US Republicans reinstate the Global Gag Rule, maternal mortality … Read Story
I’ve never had an abortion but when I first got with my current boyfriend we had 3 nights of unprotected sex and I took the morning after pill 3 times. I was going through a … Read Story
I haven’t had an abortion but I have seen my Irish friends struggle with the difficulty of living somewhere abortion is illegal. Can’t afford to travel to the UK to have an abortion? You’re expected … Read Story
I have never been pregnant BUT my mother (who is South American) ONLY BECAUSE she found out she was pregnant with me whilst in California had a CHOICE to abort me. She has been open … Read Story
I am, and always have been a UK taxpayer. Why has my money been used to deny Irish women their rights?!!
I’ve never had an abortion, and I’m researching maternity for my PhD. I spend all day reading stories and medical research papers about maternity, pregnancy, childbirth, and there’s nothing I’m more sure of than the … Read Story
This exhibition has hugely opened my eyes to the diversity of women who have had abortions, and to the richness and beauty of their stories. This sort of work is SO important. As a man … Read Story
We were having pre-drinks in our house before heading out for my housemates birthday. One of our friends arrived already drunk and revealed to us later that night that her period was a week late … Read Story
Reading these stories I am proud of being part of a team involved in surgical abortions, giving women a choice.
I had an abortion 12 years ago today. I don’t feel guilty about it, but I have over the years felt pangs of regret and wondered ‘what if?’. How different my life would have been … Read Story
I left the Catholic Church because of their views on abortion.
I’ve never had an abortion but the topic of it is something I don’t really feel comfortable about especially to my family. I think if I ever had one I would tell no one but … Read Story
As an abortion care provider I feel fortunate to live and work in a country where women have control of their reproductive health and can exercise their right to choose – we should never feel … Read Story
I had an abortion in 1976. I was about 24, married since I was 16 with 2 children by the age of 19. I had a one-night stand in my first year as a mature … Read Story
Reading all these stories I think it’s so important that women and people in general know about the fact that abortions are so common and one of the safest and most regulated procedures. It does … Read Story
I was 19, it was my first year of university. I had a surgical abortion at 12 weeks with local anaesthetic. I knew from the second I thought I was pregnant that I was getting … Read Story
I found out I was pregnant a few hours after the father broke up with me and my mental health and self esteem spiralled. During the days I tried to function normally and conceal the … Read Story
In 2004 I was signed off work with PND. My youngest daughter was about 18 months old, and my oldest daughter, who had just started school, was 4. I barely left the house and was … Read Story
I am 32 and had my termination a week ago today. I was 9 weeks 5 days. I will never regret my decision and I am certain about that. I’m not sure I want children … Read Story
I have had 2 abortions. One at 24 a couple after I had met a guy, and the other at 42, after I had had 2 children. I did not feel any guilt on either … Read Story
“It’s forming a blue line” – These words rang in my ears as my mouth went dry and my life flashed in front of me. Sheer panic, aged 18, I had just started university. I … Read Story
I’ve had two. It’s hard to not write a list of justifications why. Instead of that urge, I want to write about a choice we make in the progress of civilisation. Does society accept that … Read Story
I became pregnant by someone who I only briefly knew when I was travelling. I felt stupid because I would have been more careful but I thought I had taken the necessary precautions. As I … Read Story
Even before the post-anaesthesia nausea had subsided, I realised that having a termination was the most empowering thing I’d ever done. I already had a child and I desperately wanted a sibling for her, but … Read Story
I was 17 when I had an abortion. I’m now 27. It was an easy decision for me – that’s not to say it wasn’t difficult. I don’t regret it at all.
At 20 weeks of my pregnancy I was pushed down the stairs by partner. My membranes were ruptured and I was admitted to hospital. The scan showed a huge loss of amniotic fluid and the … Read Story
I have just taken the 1st pill, tomorrow I will be able to take the rest. The only thing I’m sad about is me and my 6-month old baby have had to run away for … Read Story
Of two unplanned pregnancies, I chose to terminate the first and continue with the second. I regret nothing about either decision; and I celebrate and welcome our right to choose, our rights to our bodies.
I was 14, anorexic and had taken the morning after pill. With my irregular periods I had no idea I could get pregnant. If my private school knew, I would have been expelled and if … Read Story
I wasn’t in a good place mentally of financially, living with my partner’s parents and struggling to hold down a job and function. In everyday life, my relationship was on the rocks also. I had … Read Story
I had an abortion 14 years ago. I don’t regret it even though I am in my 5th year of fertility issues with my husband.
A difficult time, that is what it was. My ex (my partner then) had used a condom but I was not on any contraception. When I got to know I was pregnant, I told my … Read Story
I found out a week after me and my long term partner broke up. I feel happy and confident in my decision, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel sad. Not regret or guilt – … Read Story
I was 20. Failed contraception, and an unsympathetic boyfriend of 5 years. I was in the middle of 3 years of career training. It was still a hard decision – terrible, bit it was right … Read Story
I was stuck in an abusive relationship. Pregnant again and trapped. I chose the safety of existing children. And finally got out.
When I had my abortion, I expected women in the abortion clinic to be in floods of tears, but actually most women are really relieved to be treated kindly and with respect. Most women know … Read Story
I had an abortion at 38. I had 2 daughters aged 6 and 8. I took a month to make my decision, but I felt my marriage wouldn’t survive. It wasn’t very happy at the … Read Story
It’s never an easy decision – but it’s a decision every woman had a right to make over her own body and life. I was lucky not to be in Northern Ireland when I found … Read Story
I had an abortion in the US in my late 20’s; I’m 45 now. It was a medical abortion before they were legal and widely available. Wrong time in my life, totally wrong boyfriend. Not … Read Story
In 1979, I had an abortion. I was about 24, married since I was 16 with 2 children by the age of 19. I had a one-night stand in my first year as a mature … Read Story
I had an abortion when I was 30. I thought we had been careful, but the condom must have split and he didn’t tell me. It was a sad situation as many of my friends … Read Story
It was the 1970’s and I was 16. I didn’t even know I was pregnant for a long time – despite being an educated, supposedly intelligent young women. I had no difficulty getting my GP … Read Story
I had an abortion 12 years today. I don’t feel guilty about it, but I have over the years felt pangs of regret and wondered ‘what if’. How different my life would have been if … Read Story
I had just split up with my partner of 5 years. 3 weeks later, I discovered I was 2 months pregnant. There was no doubt in my mind as to what I should do. My … Read Story
I had an abortion at the age of 18 – I’m 41 now. I am from the U.S. there were protesters outside the clinic – it was the worst. I have never regretted my decision. … Read Story
I was 15 when I got pregnant, we thought it wouldn’t happen to us! We were too young and naïve. There was no choice: a termination was the only option. I am still with the … Read Story
I had an abortion at thirty years old, I have never forgotten the experience and rarely a month goes by without considering it in some way. I am now 54.
I had 2 abortions before the age of 18. I was 17 when I first fell pregnant – sex without any contraception, I knew it was risky not using any but obviously you ‘never think … Read Story
It only takes one time! I knew that I should get my period by 9th Feb…..that date came and went – and my period didn’t. I was stressed with work, had health problems most likely … Read Story
I spent my 16th birthday in hospital having an abortion. I fell pregnant with my first boyfriend just after having obtained the pill for the first time, I was waiting for my period so I … Read Story
I’m 16, I had one on the 2nd of February , I was around 8 weeks and three days. He wanted to keep it but decided against it. He wanted to be there but our … Read Story
Last year I struggled with depression until coming off anti-depressants in January. I moved out into a great new home and I got an amazing new job. By February, at 26 years old I fell … Read Story
On April 11th I had an abortion at 5 weeks and 3 days pregnant. It is now December 9th and I am not pregnant and as happy as I am to not have the responsibility … Read Story
I had an abortion almost two years ago, it completely changed my view of the world. Until this point, I’d always thought I was against abortion, for myself at least. Although I never thought I … Read Story
As my 13 year old daughter and myself walked down the street we saw the board for the exhibition. Let’s have a look I said, do you know what abortion is? I asked my gorgeous … Read Story
I am forty nine now and was twenty two when I obtained an abortion. It was, and remains, the best decision I have ever made for myself. I have loved and cared for nieces and … Read Story
I was 23 and shattered when I saw those two lines appearing on the pregnancy kit. I had been physically and mentally harassed and had faced sexual harassment very early on in law school, since … Read Story
I had an abortion 2 weeks before my 19th birthday. I had just started university and I had met a new boyfriend. It was around early December and I wasn’t on the pill yet, as … Read Story
I have a history of clinical depression, my partner has chronic pain, mobility and health issues, and he already has two children from a previous relationship. We live in a small flat that barely fits … Read Story
I was 22 and I’d just realized my dream of moving away from my home country, a dream I had since I was little. In the first week of me being in England I met … Read Story
I use to be against abortion, simply because of my family’s beliefs, which were of Christianity and Catholicism. My mother would say how having an abortion was murder, and my dad would say no one … Read Story
I fell pregnant again shortly after my son turned a year old. I have a long term health condition that means pregnancy can be dangerous for both myself and foetus. I had to consider my … Read Story
I was 22 when I found out I was pregnant. I had just qualified as a teacher but was yet to find my first teaching position. My partner had a decent job but he was recovering … Read Story
I was 23, it was 2007 – the beginning of the financial crisis. I had been on depo provera birth control shot, but the side effects of this medication made me miserable. I decided to give … Read Story
I had made my decission even before it had happened. I got pregnant at 23 and knew I could not have it. I wasn’t ready to give the baby the life it deserved adn the … Read Story
I am 3 months pregnant , it was an accident, my ex immediately bailed out and refused to offer any support at all , i wanted to have an abortion but i still cant afford … Read Story
I was 17 and in my last year of high school. My boyfriend and I had just broken up when I found out. We had done everything possible to not get pregnant, I was on … Read Story
I was too scared to tell anyone and I was not ready for the responsibility. I still keep it a dark secret.
I was happy, in love and living with my boyfriend. We weren’t ready to have a baby. We want to find out we’re having a baby and be excited.
I was seriously mentally ill and neither me nor my husband realized it. I had a psychotic break and was hospitalized for an extended period of time. My husband was on his own with two … Read Story
I was 21 when I fell pregnant .. I was in a relationship with someone I loved and after a few years of being a bit lost had got accepted into uni .. I was … Read Story
Without the abortion act I would have a 2 and a half year old baby right now, I am 16, mentally ill, taking A levels and single.
Our loved, planned , wanted little boy was diagnosed with a severe heart deformity at the 20 week scan. After emergency consultancy appointments and visiting a heart surgeon and specialist at Birminghams Women’s Hospital the … Read Story
I had my first abortion when I was 20. I was studying abroad at the time and I went through the procedure in a foreign system by myself. Looking back I’m so proud of myself … Read Story
My husband and I had two beautiful children. The youngest was 15 months. It had been harder with two than one and we had multiple other challenges including my mother being very sick. We had … Read Story
I have been married for 5 years, we already have 1 child and always planned to have another. It took us a while to get pregnant, but our second pregnancy ended with a miscarriage at … Read Story
I had a daughter 11 months ago, her father left us because he wasn’t the family type and didn’t want us. I never thought about contraception. I was diagnosed with postnatal depression the week after … Read Story
When I found out I was pregnant for the third time I thought ‘three times, that’s really, really bad’, but then I thought to myself ‘I can’t really blame myself because I’m on contraception. My … Read Story
I was told it was unlikely I would ever have children because of hormonal imbalance. So when I fell pregnant at 18 I felt couldn’t terminate the pregnancy even though my partner at the time … Read Story
I became sexually active at 17, and for a few years, used condoms and the pill. I also had the implant for about 6 months but I went back on the pill because I hated … Read Story
I have never really used contraception. When I first started having sex at 15 my partner and I used condoms for the first couple of months but that didn’t last long. Generally, we relied on … Read Story
My story is fairly straightforward – I’m childfree and always have been. My ex husband knew that but when he found out I was pregnant; his reaction was ‘if you carry this baby to term … Read Story
I am a mother of 3 children who live with their father. I had to fight in family court to even have contact with them during the time I lost my home, my family, everything. … Read Story
I had been seeing a chap for a good couple of months and quite casually. And yeah, we basically had been using condoms and we didn’t that night and I’m pretty clear when I’m ovulating … Read Story
I was being sick and things like that. Just because I’ve got two already I sort of knew right away. It was my own stupidity. I left it for a wee while, and I was … Read Story
I came from a religious background and got married at 19. Six months later I fell pregnant because of the condom coming off inside me. I had just started a new university course and wasn’t … Read Story
I considered having an abortion after getting pregnant despite me having a Mirena IUS coil as my contraception. I was 28, happily married, building my career, and planning to have a child in my early … Read Story
I went on the pill when I was 13 because I had bad periods, just absolutely horrible, so I went to the doctor and they said that the pill would be a good thing for … Read Story
I’ve been having sex for less than a year and I got pregnant. At first I thought I was just unlucky, then after all the information I received at the abortion clinic I realized it’s … Read Story
I ran out of the pill and couldn’t get an appointment at the doctors’ surgery, that’s when I became pregnant. Online, I had read that the pill stays in your system for a while after … Read Story
I had an abortion 5 years ago at 23. I had taken a couple of pills from my monthly packet very late and had missed one entirely, but after relying on that particular method of … Read Story
We are a family of 6. My husband had a vasectomy 10 years ago so we were not using contraception. When I didn’t come on I took a pregnancy test which was positive although I … Read Story
My daughter was just 14 when she got pregnant. I split up from her father when she was 3 due to domestic violence. The court awarded her father contact rights and despite me contacting social … Read Story
The only time I didn’t use a condom I got pregnant. My boyfriend comes from a very religious background so he basically said to me ‘if you keep it I won’t have a family to … Read Story
When I found out I was pregnant for the third time I thought ‘three times, that’s really, really bad’, but then I thought to myself ‘I can’t really blame myself because I’m on contraception. My … Read Story
I had an abortion about five years ago when I was 26. I was only four-to-five weeks along and the decision was made between my partner and I based on the fact that we didn’t … Read Story
I’ve had two abortions, one at 16 and one at 21. I come from a catholic background so at 16 it would have been worse to have a baby out of marriage than to have … Read Story