The procedure

So I had the procedure (D & C) yesterday to remove the baby. It all went pretty smoothly. The procedure couldn't have lasted more than 10-15 minutes. But I wouldn't know because I was out like a light when they started the IV sedation. I awoke in the recovery room amongst many other girls. It was a very smoothly run place. You go in, get your procedure, then you're wheeled into the recovery room, you lay there for a few minutes. Then you are walked over the the recovery chairs, big comfy leather chairs. Next to the chairs are big baskets full of all my favorite cookies-Lorna Doone Shortbread (my all time favorite), Oreos, Fig Newtons and Cream Sandwhich Cookies. A nurse brings you hot cocoa or tea or soda, whatever you want. They take excellent care of everyone and remember everyone's name which really impressed me. I soon realized that all the girls around me weren't there for the same procedure I had. They all had just had abortions. I was the oldest one there. Most were under 20 years old. And for most this wasn't their first one.

One girl was having the first part of a 2 part abortion. She was 20 weeks. She had driven up from Redding, PA because they won't do them there. She drove 2 1/2 hrs by herself. She had to drive herself home, and then be back at the clinic today at 9am. She was very scared and upset that she had no one to go with her. It was her first time in Manhattan.

While it was disturbing to me that these girls have had multiple abortions, I felt that at least they have the choice. And the fact that this choice may be taken away because of assholes in Bush's government scares me. If these girls didn't have this option they would all be having babies that they are not prepared to have. Having this choice is so very important.