I thought I would always regret my decision to have an abortion, I was wrong. I was seventeen years old when I found out I was pregnant, two weeks later I became aware of my boyfriends heroin addiction. I was devastated. I didnt think I could talk to my parents about the situation, my friends just couldn't relate and my boyfriend was emotionally unavailable (heroin will do that to you). I felt utterly alone. I decided to have an abortion. I don't remember much about that day, only feeling so alone. The next day I thought I was bleeding too much (I wasnt, no more than just a heavy flow during my period) and ended up telling my parents that I had an abortion. My mother immediatley swallowed me in an amazing embrace and began to cry. She told me that she knew something had been wrong and wondered why I hadnt felt comfortable confiding in her. Both my parents were incredibly supportive and never made me feel shameful for my decision. I am now 30 years old and I know I made the right decision that winter. I do not regret my decision to have an abortion. I do however wish that I had been taught about the risks of unprotected sex. This information has to be available for teenagers, they will have sex, they will become pregnant, they will contract STD's, we must educate our kids. Better that they have a condom and know how to use it, than not and end up pregnant or stricken with a life long reminder such as herpes, or worse contract HIV. I'd hate for our kids to have that regret.

"Kayla"

Travis County