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Saturday, July 26, 2008 sonya asks

Q: im 17 and had an abortion last year.

im 17 and i had an abortion last year and felt really depressed from what happened.now i just had another one 4 days ago.i thought i madfe the right decission but after it happened i no i made the wrong choice.i want my baby back but i cant..i feel so sad,angry,misrable,and depressed.you got any advice..

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Answers (3)
Teri Robert, Health Guide
7/28/08 4:21pm

Sonya,

 

Check with the facility where you had the abortion to see if they have counseling services available. If they don't, they should know where you can go for counseling.

 

Not to be critical at all, but I suggest you discuss contraception options with your doctor. Being in control of your body and when and if you get pregnant can be a huge help because it helps you regain your sense of control. Yes, many young women have children at your age, but you need to have your life in order and be ready to be a parent before you get pregnant again. It sounds trite to say that you're young, but you are. You're probably not even through high school yet. It really is best to finish your education and be in a stable lifestyle before getting pregnant. It's better for you and your child.

 

Keep in mind also, that your homones are probably on a roller coaster right now, and that can have a huge impact on how you feel. Be good to yourself and get some counseling, please?

 

Best wishes to you,

Teri

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7/27/08 12:44pm

I am difnately no expert and certianly not a mental health professional, But I am coming to you from a place of experience with the same situation.  I am 29 years old now, and when I was 18 I had an abortion as well because I thought it was the right decision.  Throughout my 20's I lived with regret and hated myself.  I started becoming premiscuous and drinking and even turned to pot to dull my sense of loss. I stopped attending church services and even felt offended when others at work would bring their religous beliefs into the environment.  I sought no counseling services and only told my family members 2 years ago.  So I difnately know the struggle you are going through now.  there is no quick fix solution, unfortunately.  What you have to do is find a way to forgive yourself, not for having an abortion, but for the actions that put you there in the first place.  Next you have to say to yourself that the decision you made was best for you.  Truly, if you are only 18 and this is your second abortion, you were not responsible enough to raise a child.  Then after you have came to terms with yourself you can start to move forward with your life and make promises to yourself.  In my case I had the abortion because I knew that financially there was no way that I could take care of a child.  So I made a promise to myself that I would not have children until I finished college.  That did not mean that I continually had unprotected sex and used abortion as birthcontrol which so many young women do.  Instead I went to the health department and got to know all of my options.  For me, the depo provera shot was the best answer.  I knew that taking a pill everyday as well as the possibility of it not working while on antibiotics was not for me.  So really the decision came down to the IUD intrauterine device that was implanted for 5 years and the shot.  I knew it wouldn't take 5 years for me to finish college so the depo shot was right for me.  There are also patches you can wear now.  After all of these choices are made you will start feeling in control of your life again.   Some people even have a private memorial service for their aborted fetuses, some say prayers, some name them, some even make promises to them.  What ever can get you through to the next day is what you must do.  and always remember that you are not alone.

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7/29/08 5:47am

im 33 i believe the choice you made was write i have 4 children and there a handful when i was your age i had 2 abortions and you no what i felt horrible but god will choose the time you will have a baby fine the right man i can't say i did but youll no.try and use a contraceptive,you have your whole life ahead of you i believe you are probably a very smart girl .graduate go to college.   you will have pleanty of time for babies you will be in my prayers good luck sharlene

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By sonya— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 07/26/08