Abortion Survivor

By Sharon Weyant, Client Services Manager

What comes to your mind when you hear the words, ‘abortion survivor?’

Typically, we think of an individual who remains alive after an attempted abortion procedure failed to end their life in the womb. That gives us a reason to celebrate for sure! Someone recently shared their story with me and it caused me to see the term ‘abortion survivor’ in a different context.

We all have heard stories of women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy and abortion is offered as a solution to ‘the problem’. Some choose to reject the option with no consideration of ever ending their pregnancy. Others may need more time to process the thought of abortion and then choose life instead. Every time the word abortion is suggested as the answer and then rejected; we have another ‘abortion survivor.’ That too gives us a reason to celebrate!

Kimberly* came into my office seriously considering an abortion. Her boyfriend gave her an ultimatum – you choose an abortion and I will stay or if you choose not to abort, I will leave. It was that simple for him. But it wasn’t for Kimberly.

She was unsure how she would make it on her own even though her boyfriend was not supporting her prior to the untimely pregnancy. We discussed her options and when she left that day, she was still very undecided. Days went by, weeks went by and no contact with Kimberly.

Six months later, she showed up with her handsome little boy, Rexy* – another ‘abortion survivor!!’ We had a reason to celebrate!! I saw first hand the struggle that Kimberly was going through. Unfortunately, she continued to struggle for a while after her son was born with guilt for ever considering an abortion.  It was a weight she carried and was reminded of often. Eventually she was able to break free from the stronghold abortion had on her – she is now an ‘abortion survivor!’

When abortion is suggested, the word itself unleashes a barrage of emotional and mental turmoil like no other word does. It takes words of truth laced with love to overcome and cause another ‘abortion survivor’ to emerge.

*Names changed to protect identities