When I was 17 I was in a deep depression. I felt that I did not have control of anything in my life. My parents were fearful about what “might happen” and therefore did not allow me any freedoms to be my own person or make my own decisions. I began sneaking around, sneaking out of the house, lying about who I was dating ect.

At this time I began dating a guy who was 21, he was not a nice guy, he had been in jail and was in a gang. My life spiraled out of control, I found he was seeing other girls and because I felt I could not turn to my parents or friends, I felt so alone I decided the best option was to end my life. I overdosed on 100 aspirin, thinking I would not wake up. The next morning I did wake up. The first thing I did was call the boyfriend, I had ringing in my ears, I knew I was not well. He did a good thing and called my mother which saved my life! In the hospital I was advised I was pregnant. Not the kind of thing you want to hear when you just tried to commit suicide. At the time I was taking the pill so I had no idea. My decision to abort was not something I took lightly. I spoke with doctors to find out how my overdose would affect the developing fetus, thought deeply about what my future would look like as a 17 year old mother who at the time did not even know how to take care of herself, thought about the man who would then be a part of my life forever. Today I have been married to my best friend for 22 years and we have 3 beautiful children together. My family happened for me at the right time with the right person! I have no regrets about my abortion and am so grateful that I had that choice. I truly believe my life would look much different today if I did not.