Member-only story
One Abortion Saved My Life — Twice
Losing Roe will victimize abused women all over again
I sat in the sickly yellow light of the bathroom, makeup not quite hiding the bruises coloring my skin. But, even worse than the color darkening my cheek and lip was the line darkening on the test I was taking.
I was pregnant.
I love my children and always have. My dream had been to go through that process with a man who loved me. It’s never been my reality.
My partner showed his feelings with alcohol and fists. There was a strong chance that this baby had been made after I said, “No.” After I had my choice taken away. Marital rape.
Then he opened the door — I was never allowed to lock it, and took choice away again. There would be no abortion. And, the plans I had made to escape would have to fade away.
A Dangerous Pregnancy
He never went with me to the doctor of course. That was women’s business. But, finding out if I was carrying a son? That was worth getting off the couch for.
The doctor was concerned and frowned at me. My blood pressure was too high. I had lost weight. The baby was in distress. There was a chance I’d lose it.
