It was the most disturbing experience of my life…

My boyfriend and I, while not high schoolers, were very naive (and myself totally inexperienced) about sex and birth control. While my parents were very informative and open about sexuality, I never took advantage of their willingness to talk and wasn't more responsible with my body as a result. We didn't use birth control and I never planned to have a baby. I knew immediately what I'd do.

There was never a doubt in my mind what I was going to do. I did not want to have a baby and although my boyfriend would've done anything I wanted, he was relieved at my decision. The abortion involved a hospital stay several hours from my home because I was 18 weeks along. While I didn't hesitate in making the decision, the procedure was real and involved what seemed like actually giving birth. It was the most disturbing experience of my life.

… I would never wish my experience on anyone and the pain I suffered emotionally…. We are now married and seldom discuss the issue. We look forward to the day we can "do it the right way."

While I had girlfriends who'd been through abortions, I only told one about the experience, but never discussed how it affected us emotionally. My boyfriend (now husband) and I didn't even mention the experience for months afterward. I never sought out support groups, I guess because of the guilt I feel…