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In reply to the discussion: I had an abortion... [View all]moreland01
(754 posts)My overly religious, dictatorial father had once told me "If you get pregnant, don't come home. Ever."
I was barely 18, away at college and in an abusive relationship. While in the process of figuring out how to get rid of the guy without him killing me, I got pregnant. There was no way in hell I was having this psycho's baby. The abortion was $600 that I didn't have. The psycho found it somehow. Apologies to those he may have robbed to get it. Afterwards, I lied and told him I'd marry him if he joined the military. He joined and I never saw him again. I found out just what lengths I would/could go to just to survive. Looking back, how did I find the courage to endure this all alone and far away from home at 18 years old?
I had a future. I had plans for my degree. I had a life ahead of me that did NOT include having a baby, being a mother, being a single, alone, poor as hell, mother with zero family support structure.
On my college graduation day, my overly religious, dictatorial father actually asked me if I was still a virgin (the F'in nerve!). I told him yes. He looked like he was going to fall on his knees and thank the good lord. He died 5 years later, a (happy?) overly religious, dictatorial man.
I've been happily married for 30 years. One step-son, 2 grandkids. My story ended well. It almost didn't. Abortions should be free.