4.4
September 4, 2021

My Body, My Personal Choice.

 

View this post on Instagram


*Editor’s Note: Elephant Journal articles represent the personal views of the authors, and can not possibly reflect Elephant Journal as a whole. Disagree with an Op-Ed or opinion? We’re happy to share your experience here, as long as it is mindful.

 

He turned from me, emotionally and financially, when it happened.

I borrowed money from my sister and took a bus alone to the clinic downtown. That night I curled into a ball, cramping, bleeding, and crying while he threw a tantrum because I wouldn’t attend a party with him. I was making him “look bad” to his buddies.

Somehow it was my fault.

For being powerless when he forced himself inside me without protection.

For getting pregnant.

For making a difficult choice.

He later said, with a sneer, that abortion was his preferred form of birth control.

Yet in his eyes, and in the eyes of society, I was the irresponsible one.

I had been “easy,” whereas he had “sowed his oats.”

I “got what I deserved,” whereas he “dodged a bullet.”

I was a slut. He was a stud.

He never looked back.

I never forgot.

~

Abortion Resources and Support:

Here are facts about your options, the different kinds of abortion, and what to expect.
How to get and use the abortion pill, plus one more link on this subject.
NAF Hotline: a toll-free, multi-lingual hotline for abortion referrals and financial assistance in the U.S. and Canada.
Planned Parenthood.
Find a verified abortion provider.
Our Bodies Ourselves: Extensive list of resources and providers.

 

 

Read 2 Comments and Reply
X

Read 2 comments and reply

Top Contributors Latest

Melinda Matthews  |  Contribution: 5,185

author: Melinda Matthews

Image: katja.perez/Instagram

Editor: Julie Balsiger