Testimony 1
The first anonymous interviewee was born and raised in New York City. She was fifteen at the age of her pregnancy and is currently 35 still living in New York City with 3 kids now. She decided to keep her child.
How did it feel the first time you discovered you were pregnant?
The first time I discovered that I was pregnant I was excited, yet there was still an anxiousness that hung over me after finding out. It was exciting to have the opportunity to bring life into the world. A baby was something that I could call my own and raise with my partner, with whom I pictured my entire future. Yet there was this fear of the unknown. I had never been pregnant before, I wasn't sure what to expect or what was yet to come. This was also a big responsibility. Bigger than any responsibility I've ever had yet, so I was a bit scared.
What was the hardest part of the pregnancy?
The hardest part of my pregnancy was holding all the weight, both physically and emotionally. At the time my partner was surrounded by negativity, and he would often listen to those around him who advised him that this wasn't smart. He was terrified to say the very least and because of all of this negativity, he wanted me to get an abortion. It was a heavy role to play in my relationship because I had to support not only myself and my rapidly changing body, but I had to support him.”.
How did it feel the first time you discovered you were pregnant?
The first time I discovered that I was pregnant I was excited, yet there was still an anxiousness that hung over me after finding out. It was exciting to have the opportunity to bring life into the world. A baby was something that I could call my own and raise with my partner, with whom I pictured my entire future. Yet there was this fear of the unknown. I had never been pregnant before, I wasn't sure what to expect or what was yet to come. This was also a big responsibility. Bigger than any responsibility I've ever had yet, so I was a bit scared.
What was your biggest concern?
My biggest concern was whether or not I was going to have support from my partner. At the time he was filled with negativity and parts of him didn't want the child. It was concerning to know that I might have to do this alone.
Why did you decide that the right decision for you was to keep the child?
At this time in my life I felt like I was missing something that I had not yet experienced. At an early age I was very responsible and because of this I felt a sort of void that I wanted to fill. Once I had discovered that I was pregnant it was exciting and I never really had any intentions of giving up my baby.
Was there ever a fear of missing out on life because you conceived so young?
She thought that conceiving at a young age would program her life in a way that she could enjoy her life later on in life rather than ever feeling that she was “missing out” because of conceiving at a young age.
Did you attend school during this time? How was this experience?
When in high school after finding out she was pregnant, she was offered the opportunity to attend a school full of other teen women that were either currently pregnant or had already conceived but were still young. The school included classes that taught you the basics about how to properly care for your child and classes that would teach you what to expect.
Was the pregnancy expected?
She wasn't taking measures to prevent a pregnancy so the pregnancy wasn't necessarily a surprise but it also wasn't as expected. At a young age she wasn't taking measures to have safe sex yet she was also never opposed to the idea of having kids.
Did any other options ever cross your mind during your pregnancy?
Never considered any other options such as abortion or adoption and had all intentions of keeping her child.
Did you feel prepared to have a baby?
The steps taken to prepare for the baby was her support group who was her greatest support. Her mother was her biggest support helping her both financially and mentally. She felt prepared for this baby.
Have you ever felt regret because of your final decision?
She loves her child and would never regret her decision.
Testimony 2
Our second anonymous interviewee is 21 and had an abortion 2 months ago. She is still in college and lives in New York City. Her boyfriend is still with her and supported her for whatever decision she will make. She chose abortion instead. She did not exactly have her mother's support but she knew this was the right thing to do for herself.
How did it feel the first time you discovered you were pregnant?
I’m 21 years old and had abortion two months ago. First of all, I was scared and instantly knew that I couldn’t have this child. I’m in college and my partner and I are not in a place financially or emotionally to have a child.
What was the hardest part of the pregnancy?
Before the abortion, my hormones were all over the place. I was anxious and couldn’t eat anything.
What was your biggest concern?
I was afraid that if I had this child, I wouldn’t be able to give a good life for the child. I also wanted to enjoy my life, my career, my partner and my money without a child. What’s more, I don’t think I am stable enough both physically and mentally to take this step.
Why did you decide that the right decision for you was Abortion?
I realized I’m barely ready to start a career, let alone take care of another being. My boyfriend gave me his full support though. He gave me the choice but I’m just not ready, neither is he.
How did you feel about your decision?
Sometimes, I think about it and get sad a lot. But I don’t regret my decision because I know it was the right thing to do for me. I would choose this path again even if we went back in time.
How do you think it has affected you physically and mentally?
My periods after the abortion were irregular and my emotions were all over the place. Other than that, my physical condition is normal.