A woman has spoken out about her agonising abortion experience in a bid to urge healthcare professionals to support women and ensure they are informed about the reality of the effects of abortion. Nathalie said: "I wish someone had taken the time to ask me to stop and think about my decision. I believe I would never have chosen abortion if I had support from healthcare staff and had turned to looked at the screen once during my scan."

Speaking to Her Voice, an online platform which provides women with a space to share their abortion stories, Nathalie, who had an abortion aged 37, explains how her decision was driven by fear and panic.

Nathalie’s Story

Nathalie said: "I went to my GP and I said I just couldn't do it again. No questions were asked. I was referred to the hospital two days later. I had not told anyone I was pregnant...I was not questioned at all about why I was making the decision to end my baby's life or if I had any support.

"I remember crying the whole way through the appointment, but I was never asked if I was okay, if I had thought about my decision, or if I had told anyone. I was then sent for a scan. I remember lying on the bed and turning away, never once looking at the screen, with tears blinding me."

Nathalie continued: "I went to the hospital, took the first tablet... no explanation was given to me. I returned on my own two days later and took the final tablet. Again, I was extremely upset but received no support from the nurses. I was alone the whole time.

"At no time did I feel relief. It was just emptiness and regret.

"My life then spiralled, as I could not live with the fact that I chose to end my child’s life out of fear. I was hospitalised due to severe depression and anxiety exactly a year after my abortion. I also tried to end my life.

"I want other women to know that they aren’t alone...Healthcare professionals should spend time with women and ensure they are making an informed decision, not one out of panic and fear. I wish someone had taken the time to ask me to stop and think about my decision. I believe I would never have chosen abortion if I had support from healthcare staff and had turned to looked at the screen once during my scan. Because if I had seen my baby even at 8 weeks, I would have chosen life for her."

 Seeking support

The impact that abortion has upon the health of some women can be life-changing. Yet growing evidence suggests that women are not being fully informed and the consequences can be devastating.

If you, or anyone you know has been affected by abortion, please contact the Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline (ARCH) for free, non-judgemental, confidential support: 0345 603 8501 or info@archtrust.org.uk">email:info@archtrust.org.uk

If you would like to contact Her Voice, please email: hello@hervoice.org.uk