Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
A WOMAN, who has had two abortions more than seven years ago, says she still feels depressed on the anniversary dates of the procedures.
However, she is adding her voice to those calling for specific legislation to regulate legal and safe abortion services. She is urging Jamaicans to continue the discussion on the controversial issue and to talk with their children about abortions.
STILL ILLEGAL
"Remember that abor-tion is still illegal in Jamaica, so if you feel that it ought not to be so, you need to be doing some lobbying about it," urged Natalie, a 46-year-old mother of three.
She urged adults to "talk with the girls and boys who come into your care, about abortion even as we stress prevention and responsible sexual behaviour, thereby providing them with information that will make them never have to make that cruel choice".
Her real name is not revealed in this article because she wishes to protect her three other children, who are not aware that she has had abortions.
EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES
Natalie, a Kingston resident, still grapples with the emotional consequences from the decisions she made. She still cries and feels depressed on the anniversaries of the two abortions.
She became pregnant in 1998 and again in 1999 as a result of unprotected sex with a married man with whom she was in love.
"I felt a huge sadness about my decision (and) enormous guilt. I was still a Christian, who worships constantly... Although I knew God was forgiving, I dreaded what my church brothers and sisters would say if they knew," she said.
A friend referred her to a doctor after the first pregnancy and the procedure was done in a private hospital. But even with some financial support from her lover, it left a hole in her finances and in her heart.
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING
"I received no professional counselling. I sought none. I got much support from the few friends in whom I confided but it was extremely emotional and mentally exhausting and stressful coming home and functioning as if nothing had happened," recalled Natalie, a tertiary-educated professional.
The second pregnancy brought more pain: her lover did not want the baby and she did. She felt ashamed and fearful of what her friends would say with a second unplanned pregnancy coming so soon after the first.
Natalie admitted that she felt alone, despite her lover's emotional and full financial support. Ashamed, she did not tell her friends and another doctor refused to perform the procedure, stating it was too risky based on her medical history.
In the end, she went to a facility, where the procedure was done in a few hours because she withheld information about her medical risks. There were more emotional than physical effects.
"I still feel that abortion is the right decision for some persons. But, having experienced the emotional pain I endured, I feel it may not have been the right decision for me. Certainly not twice," she said.
- (Name changed)
