Why I got an "Abortion"

Summary

In this video, Alyssa shares her harrowing experience with an abnormally heavy and prolonged period, which led to a diagnosis of benign growths in her uterus. She recounts her journey through Planned Parenthood and her OB-GYN, culminating in a dilation and curettage procedure. Alyssa's story is a poignant reflection on reproductive rights, as she grapples with the emotional and physical toll of her condition amidst the backdrop of changing abortion laws in the United States.

Takeaways

• 😷 The narrator experienced an unusually heavy and prolonged menstrual period, causing severe pain and blood loss.
• 🏥 After consulting with her mother, a labor and delivery nurse, she sought help from Planned Parenthood due to unavailability of her primary doctor.
• 🛡️ The narrator faced protestors and a hostile environment outside Planned Parenthood, which added to her distress.
• 🩺 At Planned Parenthood, she underwent preliminary checks and was advised to see an OB-GYN for further investigation.
• 📈 An ultrasound revealed a small growth in her uterus, which was causing the abnormal bleeding and was not viable.
• 🏥 The narrator had to wait several months for her OB-GYN appointment and surgery due to scheduling conflicts.
• ⏳ During the wait, her condition worsened, with the growth increasing in size and a second one appearing in her cervix.
• 🔍 The surgery confirmed that the growths were benign, not cancerous, providing relief to the narrator.
• 🤔 The video discusses the complexities surrounding the definition of abortion, especially in the context of medical necessity versus elective procedures.
• 🗣️ The narrator advocates for bodily autonomy and the right to make decisions about one's own health, criticizing laws that restrict access to medical procedures.

Q & A

What unusual medical issue did Alyssa experience in January 2022?

Alyssa experienced an extremely heavy and prolonged period that was different from her usual menstrual cycles, causing her significant pain and blood loss.

Why was Alyssa's mother unsure about her condition?

Alyssa's mother, being a labor and delivery nurse, was stumped by her condition because it was unusual and not something she could easily diagnose.

What steps did Alyssa take after her mother recommended seeking medical help?

Alyssa contacted her local Planned Parenthood for an appointment, as her primary doctor had no available appointments.

What safety measures did Planned Parenthood take during Alyssa's call to schedule an appointment?

Planned Parenthood ensured Alyssa's safety by verifying her household safety, using private numbers for calls, and setting temporary passwords to protect her privacy and records.

How did the protesters outside Planned Parenthood make Alyssa feel during her visit?

Alyssa felt unsafe and uncomfortable due to the protesters' chants and stares, which added stress to her already challenging situation.

What medical advice did Alyssa receive from the doctor at Planned Parenthood?

The doctor at Planned Parenthood advised Alyssa to see her OB-GYN and get an ultrasound to understand what was happening inside her uterus.

What did the ultrasound reveal about Alyssa's condition after four months of abnormal bleeding?

The ultrasound showed a one-centimeter growth attached to the inside wall of her uterus, which was causing the excessive bleeding and pain.

What were Alyssa's options after learning about the growth in her uterus?

Alyssa had two options: to leave the growth and return for another ultrasound in a month, or to schedule a dilation and curettage (DNC) to remove it.

What was the emotional impact of the Supreme Court's reconsideration of Roe v. Wade on Alyssa's situation?

The Supreme Court's reconsideration of Roe v. Wade added fear to Alyssa's situation, as she worried that her procedure might be criminalized, and her doctors could face legal consequences.

What was the outcome of Alyssa's surgery and the lab results?

Alyssa's surgery successfully removed the growths, and the lab confirmed they were benign, meaning she did not have uterine or cervical cancer.

How does Alyssa feel about the legal definitions surrounding her medical procedure and its implications?

Alyssa is frustrated and concerned about the legal definitions and implications, as they do not consider the medical complexities and can potentially criminalize necessary medical procedures, even when they are not related to pregnancy.