---
title: Feeling Supported After My Abortion
date: 2022-11-11T20:50:38-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-feeling-supported-after-my-abortion"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Feeling Supported After My Abortion

MC discusses disclosing her abortions. She only told her partner and friends about the first one, but she told her mother about the second one as it was more painful. She notes how supportive her community was and how she felt after each abortion. Note: Audio-Only

## Transcript

**OBOS Today:** Great, um, so you said you had your first abortion, right at the beginning of the pandemic, when going, when you're going through that experience, that you tell anyone?

**MC:** Yeah, I, I haven't told my, but until my parents, um, but I told the partner at the time. And he, I actually took the test, like, the day before lockdown, I remember we were, we had one last get together. I know that at this point that sounds very irresponsible, we had one last get together, but we, we didn't know at the time.

Yeah, I told I told friends, a couple friends and then the partner at the time, but not, not parents, and then the second one, I did end up telling my mom just because I was on the second one was much more difficult. Nobody’s sure why, also it just the pain level was really, really high with the second one, I had just gotten my COVID vaccine, so the doctor theorized that I could have been a bit down for the count. With that it was like, days after getting it so maybe I was a little under the weather and that's why there was so much more pain, but the second one was very, very painful like, during and after the procedure had a really bad aftermath, and so I did end up telling my mom after this second one just because I was so, so, so sick and in so much pain. But the first one went pretty smoothly, I guess, actually, um, yeah.

**OBOS Today:** That's amazing that you are able to tell her that, in that, and did you feel supported through that decision whether it was through your partner or your friends or your mom?

**MC:** Yeah everyone, everyone involved, and it was a different partner, the second time um I’m still with him um everyone involved was super supportive like, there's not, there was not one person that ever suggested that I don't get an abortion. Um I think, personally, though that's because I don't, this is the other thing is the second one was sadder for me, the first one was a lot easier and kind of every aspect, the second one, I felt sadder that I had to do it because the first one, I was like, I barely know this guy I’m, like, 29 that's still pretty young and like, whatever I haven't gone through this before I’m sure it's fine you know, I was, like, very relaxed about it, the second one was really sad because I had you know, I was 30 and I kind of had maybe more of a serious relationship with the partner and I’m still with it like, I said so we're all good but. It was like, sadder for me, because I, you know something about being in my 30s really changed it for me, because I was like, ‘dang, like, maybe if I had just graduated college and I like, had money and how maybe I wouldn't like, have to you know I, like,, it was more of a kind of a sadness or, not like, I obviously I was not ever considering keeping it, but it was more of sad for me, the second one, I think, and I think it was just like, that age thing and there's just like, a lot of pressure societal pressure. Now, being in like, your 30s as a woman it's like, okay well when you're 35 are considered geriatric pregnancy, they still like, that's still a thing.

In Western medicine apparently that there's just like, all these increased risks, and you know your fertility is like, gone and, and so I’m like, oh God I’m really feeling that, like, pressure that I have like, a few years before I’m geriatric like, my God what a word. And so yeah, I am I’m feeling that pressure, a lot so I’d say that's probably what made the second one harder and then also just kind of reflecting back on, on life choices and like, wishing that I was a little more stable at this age, so that that brought up more emotions, for me, then, then the first one, I was just like, yeah whatever lots of people go through it. So yeah, they're very different experiences.

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ abortion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/abortion)
- [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support)
- [friendship](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/friendship)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion Aftercare & Complications to Watch For

Medical complications after an abortion are rare in the United States, but they do happen. If you have these symptoms, contact your medical provider.

![gayatri-malhotra-eR0lE135ubM-1000x460](data:image/png;base64,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)

Medical complications after an abortion are rare in the United States, but they do happen. If you have these symptoms, contact your medical provider.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/symptoms-to-watch-for)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Feelings Around Having an Abortion

MC describes her thought process behind getting an abortion. She shares some of the feelings she had about the experience.

![A woman has her hands on her head as though disappointed. In front of her is a positive pregnancy test on a table.](data:image/png;base64,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)

MC describes her thought process behind getting an abortion. She shares some of the feelings she had about the experience.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-feelings-around-having-an-abortion)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Mental Health Issues

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.

![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.

![abortiontshirt](data:image/png;base64,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)

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters-things-would-be-different)

[ResourcesRead

## Dear Black Women: An Affirmation Movement for Black Women by Black Women

A collection of positive affirmations and pep talks for Black women, by Black women.

![Pexels rodnae productions black women family scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of positive affirmations and pep talks for Black women, by Black women.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/affirmations-an-affirmation-movement-for-black-women-by-black-women)

[ResourcesRead

## Afiya Peer Respite Center

Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments.

![pexels-tim-mossholder-942317](data:image/png;base64,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)

Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/afiya-peer-respite-center)

[ResourcesRead

## Asian Women for Health

This peer-led network promotes health and wellness for Asian women.

![Asian Women for Health and TEAM Together Empowering Asian Minds scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This peer-led network promotes health and wellness for Asian women.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/asian-women-for-health-and-team-together-empowering-asian-minds)

[ResourcesRead

## Asians Do Therapy

A collection of personal stories from Asians and Asian Americans about their experiences with therapy.

![Pexels shvets production 7176319 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of personal stories from Asians and Asian Americans about their experiences with therapy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/asians-do-therapy)