An abortion provider reflects on motherhood, her own abortion for ‘Mama’s Day’

[PeaceNikki]

As an abortion provider, I know abortion rhetoric too often ignores the complexities of real women’s lives. Choosing adoption, ending a pregnancy, or raising a child is a personal, often complicated and emotional decision. But one thing is pretty simple: that decision is better left to a woman and her family. I know this firsthand.

When I met the man of my dreams we talked about having a family of our own. We worked to build our careers and our lives together. As a doctor, a provider, and an advocate, my career took off, lobbying for increased family planning access and speaking at town hall meetings and rallies in support of comprehensive reproductive health care for all.

The time came when we decided we were ready to take the big leap and become parents. I was thrilled when I got pregnant, and in my excitement I didn’t follow the advice I give my patients to wait to tell people. We told our family and friends right away.


Things progressed well and without medical complication for 14 weeks. That’s when my maternal intuition told me that something was wrong. With my training and access to equipment, I could not resist investigating. To my devastation, I diagnosed my little one with a brain anomaly. I had not seen anything like it. It was later confirmed by a specialist as a severe condition incompatible with life.

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/05/09/an-abortion-provider-reflects-on-motherhood-her-own-abortion-for-mamas-day/