I had 4 abortions. The abortion pill was the worst, but women aren't getting the full story

In a revealing video, I shared my experience of having four abortions, the first of which took place when I was just 15 years old. It was a surgical abortion, and due to the traumatic experience, I opted for an abortion pill for my second procedure at the age of 19. It seemed like a more viable option, being easier, causing less physical trauma and being economical. I had to contend with a lack of financial support from the baby's father, who was in disagreement with the entire process.

However, my expectation of an easier alternative was shattered as the experience turned out to be horrifyingly agonizing. The clinic's assurance of the process being unproblematic and discreet was far from reality. There, I was only required to provide a urine sample to confirm my pregnancy, with no ultrasound conducted despite being close to the end of my first trimester.

Back then, the protocol was to consume the first pill, mifepristone, at the clinic, and then go back home and vaginally insert the second pill, misoprostol. Shortly after taking the pill, I started bleeding profusely and experienced severe pain, comparable to labor. The agony lingered for two days, during which I consumed drugs to numb the excruciating pain. The traumatic experience forced me to leave my apartment, as it constantly reminded me of the ordeal.

Years later, I found myself employed in the very same clinic where I underwent my traumatic abortion. Despite personal experience, I had to tell women that the abortion pill experience was as mild as a heavy menstruation phase. The misleading narrative hurt, as I fielded calls from women who were suffering the same ordeal I had gone through.

Today, I am no longer part of the abortion industry or the life of drug dependency. Instead, I work towards helping workers exit the abortion industry, and I testify before various organizations, sharing my own story.

The ongoing debate on access to abortion pills highlights crucial shortcomings, such as the lack of adequate information provided to the women. There seems to be an assumption that women are incapable of comprehending all information related to abortion or its pill variant, and hence there is no need to overwhelm them with possible risks and harms.

Yet, ironically, the same women are entitled to thorough discussions about potential side effects and adverse outcomes for other medical procedures. Research shows that women can make informed decisions when they're equipped with comprehensive information, such as the fact that abortion pills are four times riskier than first-trimester surgical abortions.

Another critical aspect that is often overlooked is the harsh reality associated with the side effects of abortion pills. Women need to filter through the promotional propaganda to access genuine accounts of their after-effects.

Women pondering an abortion need to be aware of the potential physical, emotional, and mental damage they may endure. They need to realize that they are not alone in their experiences and that help is available.

In contrast to the grim narrative of storing abortion pills at home, there are numerous paths open for women dealing with unplanned pregnancies. This includes pregnancy centers, helplines like Loveline, adoption agencies, and free pregnancy resources, to name a few.

I wouldn't wish anyone to go through any of my abortion experiences, particularly the torment linked to the abortion pills. Women deserve better. I am currently the Outreach Director for 'And Then There Were None.' More about my experiences is shared on the website - https://www.littlepillsthatkill.com/.