“I grew up in a conservative, religious community in Iowa. I have struggled with my mental health for well over a decade. I have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. I attempted suicide when I was just 12 years old. My mental health is now my priority, and I will do whatever I need to protect it. So when I found out I was pregnant two years ago— recently single, a week into a new job, alone in a new city — I never questioned what I would do. My very first thought was that I wanted to die. My next was that I needed to have an abortion. Risking my recovery and giving up everything I have worked for wasn’t an option. I put my mental health first. 

I had my abortion when I was 7 weeks along. About a year ago, Iowa passed a law banning abortion from the moment a fetal heartbeat is detected. Thankfully, in January a state judge ruled the law against Iowa’s constitution. Iowa lawmakers would have forced me to carry my pregnancy to term — a woman struggling with an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. The reasons an individual decides to have an abortion are personal and private, but the fact that some are unable to access care should be public concern. When I needed an abortion, I had so many privileges: a flexible work schedule, private health insurance, financial stability, working car to carry me across state lines if I needed, and a support network.

There are millions of people who don’t have those things, and abortion should not be a privilege.”

“In August 2012, I just graduated from college, started my professional career at a government agency, and moved in with three roommates. I also found out I was 2 1/2 months pregnant. I already knew what my decision was. I used my choice and decided to terminate my pregnancy. I went to Planned Parenthood in DC with my partner.

In the waiting room, I felt like had inflicted a self-derogatory mark or scarlet letter on myself because I was getting an abortion. In my case, I knew being a parent wasn’t for me at the time. I wanted to pursue my career, be a more established parent, and couldn’t afford a child. As I thought about my choice, I became more affirmed. I had 3 roommates in a three bedroom apartment. The crib couldn't go in the living room. I was eliminating a cycle of poverty. I was the only person employed in my relationship. My partner was a 5th year senior in college. We couldn't afford a child on my salary alone.

I didn't see a foreseeable future with that partner, we never talked about having kids and we wouldn’t make a good parenting team. Most importantly I was affirmed in my values. Providing the best life for my child as a financially stable, older, and more established parent. My doctor gave me pills for the medication abortion, a prescription for birth control, and medical school advice. Six years later, I'm a career woman, a Master's of Public Health candidate, and a future doctor. I'm also in a loving relationship with a partner with whom I foresee a future. In my experience at Planned Parenthood, I received the best care possible and exercised my choice.”

“My story is hard to hear, harder to tell. One thing I know for certain is that I would not be here today if it weren't for Planned Parenthood and the compassionate staff. A former friend/coworker turned rapist decided that he would take me to my bedroom and rape me while I was inebriated. I woke up the next day bleeding and confused. I moved through life for a month and a half feeling sick to my stomach.

By early March, I knew something was off. My period hadn't come for two months. I took a pregnancy test. Then I took another. And another. This nightmare couldn't be real. But it was. Positive. I had to bite my shower curtain to keep from screaming as I crumbled onto my bathroom floor. I knew that if I couldn't end this pregnancy, it would end me. I would never bring his child into the world. I couldn't. With abortion being so stigmatized, I thought no one would understand.

Luckily, I remembered my best friend's saving words — the clinic downtown. I am recovering everyday and getting stronger, and I will forever be grateful to Planned Parenthood for the opportunity to live again.”