Dear reader,
Today, I want to tell you something about my story. It’s not often that people talk about such things, but I feel it’s important. I was nineteen, in college and in a relationship for two years. Our relationship had its ups and downs. It was turbulent but passionate.
We had just begun having sex. We were happy to take this journey of discovery together. It felt like a new step in our relationship. We were always extra cautious. We never had sex without condoms.
And yet one day, I found out that I was pregnant. My boyfriend was out of town for some work and wouldn’t return for the next two weeks. I spoke to him over the phone and we were both quite certain that we couldn’t be parents then. He didn’t have a real job and I hadn’t even finished college. Having a child would have ruined all my plans for life.
Going ahead with the unwanted pregnancy would end up in an unwanted child. Given my situation, the only option was to undergo an abortion.
But I didn’t know where to start. I was really lost, always confused and emotional. I couldn’t tell my parents since it’s such a taboo to talk about sex in our country. I spoke to my close friends but they were also young and inexperienced. Finally, I got in touch with an older friend who agreed to find a clinic and fill in as my guardian.
I remember making rounds to the doctor's clinic, answering uncomfortable questions, meeting unfriendly doctors and going through tests all by myself. I hated being alone through all of that. I hated keeping it a secret. I just wished I had been in a different society where people were more accepting and open.
The day of the abortion is still etched in my mind. The procedure itself wasn’t tough as such, but all the emotions around it were difficult.
I was sad to have had that experience at a young age. But I lived through it and don’t regret it.
And now, to you. How would it feel to be in my shoes?
Yours truly,
An Indian woman
This International Safe Abortion Day, Love Matters along with WGNRR invites you to step into the shoes of those who have had abortions. Join our global campaign and share our video if you support safe and legal abortion.
#Sept28 #StepIntoOurShoes
This story is a part of "Editor's pick Best of 2016" series. It was first published on 28th September, 2016.
The young Indians you see in the video below were a part of a social experiment. All they knew was they had to read a letter written by an Indian woman. At the end of it, she asks them a question.
What would you do if you were in her shoes? Write your comments below or on Facebook. If you have any questions, please visit our discussion forum.