"Don’t be scared!"

When I found out I was pregnant I knew I couldn’t keep it so I was referred to Marie stopes. After the consultation over the phone I was given a date for the medical exam where I had to go in just for a basic check up. I was nervous going in with my partner, we both waiting in the waiting room with other people and it felt really quiet which does play on your mind so I would recommend bringing a companion with you. Bear in mind they can’t come with you to the rooms and they have to wait behind but I was taken to a room where I was greeted by a lady who introduced herself and she explained what would be happening. She was going to take my blood by a prick on my finger to test for various things such as HIV etc, she then asked for me to take a swab down below in the bathroom next door then I had a scan of my womb where she confirmed how many weeks along I was. When we sat down to discuss the next appointment date for the surgical abortion we got talking as I admitted I wasn’t 100% sure and she made me feel so at ease! We both spoke about our familes/lives and she told me whichever decision I take I should think about it but it should be what I want to do. I left that day feeling abit better and in safe hands.

A week or so later I had my abortion date and I was terrified. My partner and I drove down and waited together however again he had to stay behind as I went up to the rooms and I first spoke to a lady about confirming that I want to go ahead with the procedure. I then waited a few minutes then was called into a room to speak to a lovely nurse who consoled me when I randomly started crying at the fact that I was afraid of the procedure, she gave me tissues and touched my shoulder which actually calmed me down and she explained that it’s not an actual surgery, as I would be sedated I won’t remember anything and it’ll be quick, again we spoke abit and she even gave me a two handed high five at the end like you can do this and I immediately felt sooo much better! I then waited a few minutes and was taken to get changed then go to the operating room. This bit was slightly scary as there are 4/5 people there however the lovely gentleman who took me to the room introduced everybody to me and asked me to lay down. The needle was then inserted into my hand which does hurt however once it went in I was out and then next thing I know I woke up in the recovery room where there are recliner chairs with a few women on and lovely nurses asking how you are. I was offered biscuits and a hot drink/water and given antibiotics to take. I then had to go change and urinate to see if I was okay and then was given a an aftercare guide which was explained to me really well. I’m here to reassure everyone that it’ll be okay, I never dreamt of having an abortion but this clinic definitely made me feel happier about my decision and if you’re scared or anything please remember to communicate this to them! Thank you so much to the staff :)