"I had an abortion at the age of 28 in the early 1980s. I had just found out that my boyfriend of 18 months was married. He concealed it well, spending at least 3-4 nights a week at my flat. His wife lived in another part of the country. I was appalled when I discovered the level of his duplicity. I had been very careful with contraceptives but nevertheless found myself pregnant just when our relationship was in its death throes. I would not have been able to support a child financially and didn't want to have any continuing link with him. I had an abortion as quickly as possible after realizing I was pregnant (about 11 weeks by the time the process was complete). I did not then, and do not now, regret it. I have had another child since then - it was the right time and place. Anyone who wants to judge can go right ahead. It's not your life or your decision. I do not see why I should be made to give birth and bring up a child just because I had a contraceptive failure. I'm lucky enough to live in a country where early, safe abortion is relatively easy to obtain and wish every other country treated its women with as much respect. I watched an Irish friend whose fetus had severe abnormalities go through the agony of having to carry her baby to term. No woman should have to go through anything like that." —Linda
