Today women in Queensland have had the right to vote for over 120 years, but still risk being charged under the Queensland Criminal Code 1899 for making choice about their own bodies and caring commitments. Having a baby is bigger than just pregnancy and birthing. It is entering into a caring role requiring a physical, emotional and financial commitment for the rest of your life.
I have always believed that abortion is a choice that women should be able to exercise in a safe, informed and nonjudgmental way. Like so many before and so many after, I never thought that I would have to make that decision. The irony of my story is that I always wanted children, but it didn’t come easily. Finally after five years of IVF I was pregnant. I was glowing. It was an easy pregnancy. Everything ran smoothly until the baby was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. I did not want a designer baby, but being responsible for a child who would need care their entire life and could out live me by 35 years was daunting. My husband was even more concerned about the caring for a child with high needs. For a couple that had been actively trying to conceive for many years it was a difficult decision. As it is for anyone contemplating an abortion. We considered all our options, discussed the practicalities, our feelings and futures. After a few days we came to the decision to terminate the pregnancy. Throughout the process we were supported by the team of medical practitioners who were well informed, professional and compassionate. I thank them all for looking after my body and our wellbeing during this challenging and painful time. This is not a story that I have told often. I do not have children and never will, but I believe that I made the right decision. Talking about abortion, especially when you are faced with it, is almost taboo in our community. It should not be that way. Many women choose to have an abortion for many different reasons. The decision is hard enough as it is without interference of the anti-abortion lobby and the archaic laws we have here in Queensland. I respect that people don’t believe in abortion. If that is how you feel don’t have one. What I don’t understand is how this belief makes it so difficult for women to make informed decisions about their lives and the lives of those they care for in a safe and supported way.
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#myabortionstoryA blog dedicated to telling the stories of Queenslanders.
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November 2017
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