LAURA

I was on holiday with my family, staring at a positive pregnancy test in complete shock.  

I was 25 and knew two things: I wanted to have children one day, and I was not ready to have children then.

And that was enough. Soon after, I went for an appointment to talk through my options. I chose to take medical abortion pills – I felt it would be easier to take things into my own hands and be in the comfort of my own home during the process.

I took one tablet in the clinic with the nurse, went home and took the other a day later. Some heavy bleeding and headaches was all I experienced, and then I was free to live my life on my own terms again.  

This was six years ago. In a twist of fate, I actually found myself back at an MSI clinic recently, but this time as a nurse, as part of my practical study towards a nursing qualification.  

It’s been a privilege to see abortion care from both sides.

I’ve been the one sitting anxiously waiting to hear my options, and now I’ve been the one explaining the process to someone else – looking a woman in the eyes and telling her that everything’s going to be ok.

After my abortion, I just got on with my life. These women will too. And that’s a beautiful thing.