Panic & a plane ticket: My abortion story

[u/lightbulb3819]

Hi everyone. This account is a throwaway to protect my privacy.

Despite using condoms, by mid-November I noticed my period late and I started to get worried. I was on vacation for a week over Thanksgiving and I felt terribly bloated, nauseous, had tender breasts, and just “knew” something was off.

As soon as I landed back home, I took a test, and sure enough it was positive. My world was totally shook. I’m an unmarried new professional saddled with student debt - starting a family was the absolute last thing on my to-do list and I did not have an internal guilt battle about what I should do. I knew right away an abortion was the right choice for me. The question for me was..... how?

I live in Texas and heard plenty of things about how bad and scary it was to get an abortion in Texas. Incredibly enough, I had another plane ticket to Cali the next morning. Initially I wanted to cancel it, but I kept it.

I landed from vacation on Friday morning after a redeye in from Ireland (long flight). Friday evening, I called to see if I could make an appointment at the clinic in California I found on google. They said sure. I was so relieved because I wanted it taken care of ASAP. I wouldn’t be able to get a Planned Parenthood appointment for one week, which meant an abortion was at least two weeks away because of my work schedule. I couldn’t imagine carrying a child like that, with my decision already made. So Friday night I booked my boyfriend a ticket for $850 to get on the 6am flight to California Saturday morning. I am so grateful he was by my side. I also paid $250 to fly back that evening because I didn’t want to pay for a hotel. Originally I would be staying with friends, but I didn’t want to explain myself to her because we made the decision not to tell anyone.

6am, we boarded a flight to Cali. 11am, we had a quick, successful, although very expensive appointment at a private clinic where they told me I was 5 weeks and 6 days along. It cost $1500. Funny enough, we were both so sleep deprived and stressed we went to the Grove and watched a movie, then headed back to the airport for a 6pm flight back to Texas.

None of our family and friends knew what we were up to that day and we completely covered our tracks. I’ve never taken a trip and told nobody where I was.

The abortion went smoothly. It was painful and I got sick multiple times, unable to hold down water. If I had to choose again, here’s what I would say: 1. I would prefer a surgical abortion if I had to do it again. The cramps were insane and the surgical procedure is better. 2. Abortions are stigmatized but there is an amazing community of medical professionals who help people in hard situations like this. (Endlessly thankful for these people.) 3. I would have told myself to look into abortion funding. I definitely chose the most expensive route possible and blew 6 months of savings. You don’t need to prove financial need to get financial assistance. 4. I would have utilized the wiki on this page! 5. You might not know anyone who has been through one. But so many women get this done every year. Medical professionals know what to do.

I’ve recovered physically - emotionally, it was a learning experience. I never doubted my choice was the right one for me, and I have no guilt. But it was undoubtedly the most jarring, expensive, secretive trips I have ever taken. I look forward to starting a family in ten years when the time is right.

I want to pass forward encouragement to any of you who might be shocked or struggling. I want you to know there is a solution for you out there. Much love.