I thank Nell for bringing Alison's post to our attention. Alison's experience is, in fact, shared by many many women who choose abortion. I know, because I talk to those women every day. I also know that more and more women (and their partners) are choosing to create their own personal goodbye ceremonies. I loved Alison and Walter's! They each wrote their letter to the pregnancy before putting the petals of the flower into the water. There can be both sadness and choice without guilt. Women and men can choose what is best for them at this point in their lives. Many couples so respect and honor life that they do not treat it lightly. All do not believe that an unintended pregnancy need be continued if this is not the best time to give the child the kind of life s/he deserves. I commend Alison for sharing her story with us and I encourage other women to do the same. The anti choice voices have been much too loud for way too long. Now is the time for women to tell their own stories, their own truths. Yes, abortion can be sad, but it can at the same time be joyous. When a woman realizes that she does not have the maturity, resources, time or wisdom to properly honor the life within her, abortion can be the choice of goodness.
On an unrelated topic, I was struck that the clinic Alison described had a "No Men Beyond This Point" sign posted!! I encourage women and men to search out a clinic that encourages men to participate, lets them in the procedure, or in counseling, or in the ultrasound. It helps to strengthen the relationship, helps the couple to go through the procedure together, helps both of them to move through the grieving process together, producing a better outcome for all.
Please do tell us your stories! We want to hear from those of you who know that you made the best choice possible at that time.
Lu
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