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My first abortion was a 2nd trimester one, and only suction was used. I know; I was there, and I was extremely conscious of what was happening. So don't believe everything you read on the internet, okay?
Also, had I not been able to get that abortion, the severe depressive episode which I was experiencing (partly the result of sexist practices in my grad. school, incidentally) would have probably led to suicide. As it happened, the next summer, when I was seriously debating suicide, I was able to keep myself alive. Eventually, I recovered from depression, and I was able to support my 2 existing children through adulthood, without state assistance (or assistance from their father).
I have never for a moment believed that I made the wrong decision.
I won't sign my name here, in consideration of my children, and the others who have been involved in my children's lives. You can find it in the Ms. Magazine petition, however.
Imagine being 13, raped by your father or stepfather, becoming pregnant, and having your mother deny you (a lot of instances kick you out) and your father/stepfather notified that you are at the abortion clinic. Let's force you to be brought back home by said parents and forced to give birth. You can't finish school, then everyone would know...your mother pronounces you a slut, and your father keeps sexually abusing you. You think abortion is traumatic, what about giving birth to your father's baby and having your family cover it up? You don't think that will mess up somebody's head? Some girls will resort to suicide because there is no other way out. Isn't that terminating a life? Oh wait, they're not babies so it doesn't count.
