
Listening to the anti-choice zealots over the past few weeks, you would think that every person having an abortion is in a state of trauma and crisis.
But many abortions do not come from a place of crisis at all. In fact, most women who have an abortion are mothers. Women carrying the mental load of the family, juggling career and maternity leave, bearing the physical toll of multiple pregnancies and knowing full well the sleepless nights and 24/7 responsibility that a baby means.
There are also many, many women – myself included – who have had an abortion at a young age because the time was wrong, and then gone on to have children at a later stage in life.
No-one makes the decision to have an abortion lightly. But to imply that this procedure is always the result of a crisis or dilemma doesn’t reflect the reality of the situation.
The reality is you are weighing up whether having another child means that you might lose your job, not be able to afford the rent or mortgage, whether you can finish your education, or simply knowing you are at the end of your capacity with the load you already have. For many of us, choosing an abortion is not a trauma but a huge relief.
What you need to know about abortion in Australia. Post continues after video.