What It’s Like to Have A Second-Trimester Abortion

Summary

The script discusses the deeply personal and emotional experiences of individuals who had to make the difficult decision to terminate wanted pregnancies due to severe fetal abnormalities. It highlights the lack of understanding and support from society and legislation, the pain of losing a much-wanted child, and the need for empathy and accurate information. It also touches on the psychological impact of such decisions and the importance of personal choice in these matters.

Takeaways

• ⏳ Many women in the script terminated their pregnancies between 14 to 22 weeks due to severe fetal abnormalities.
• 👼 Parents often gave their children names despite knowing they would not survive, indicating a deep emotional connection.
• 🌟 The decision to terminate a wanted pregnancy is extremely difficult and is often accompanied by grief and loss.
• 🤰 The script emphasizes that not all pregnancies are unwanted; many women desperately want their babies but face tragic circumstances.
• 🚫 The political and legal discussions surrounding abortion can be triggering and insensitive to those who have had to make such decisions.
• 👶 The script refutes the myth that doctors or nurses execute babies after birth, clarifying that hospice care is provided for those with fatal conditions.
• 💔 The emotional and psychological impact of terminating a pregnancy is profound and ongoing, affecting not just the woman but the entire family.
• 📉 The time pressure to make a decision about a medically necessary termination adds to the stress and difficulty of the situation.
• 🤝 Support groups can be a source of comfort and understanding for those who have had to terminate a pregnancy.
• 🏥 The script highlights the importance of considering the medical and emotional needs of parents when discussing laws and policies around pregnancy termination.
• 🌈 It concludes by urging people to look beyond the political narrative and understand the complex realities behind each pregnancy termination story.

Q & A

At what gestational age did some of the women terminate their pregnancies?

The gestational ages at which the women terminated their pregnancies varied, with some at 15 and a half to 16 weeks, others at 18 weeks, 20 weeks and five days, 21 weeks, 22 weeks, and one at 14 weeks.

What was the diagnosis that led to the decision to terminate at 21 weeks?

The diagnosis at 21 weeks was so severe that the parents knew their child wouldn't survive regardless of the route they chose.

What names did the parents give to their children before termination?

The names given to the children were Angelica, Lola, Carson, Charlotte, Steven, and Rachel.

How did the parents feel about naming their child before termination?

The parents felt that their child deserved to have a name, indicating a sense of identity and recognition of their child's existence.

What was the diagnosis at the 20-week ultrasound that influenced the parents' decision?

The diagnosis at the 20-week ultrasound was severe hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid on the brain, and full trisomy 18, a condition not compatible with life.

How did the parents describe the process of researching their options?

The parents described researching day and night, trying to understand what the future would look like if they continued with the pregnancy.

What was the emotional impact of the decision-making process on the parents?

The emotional impact was significant, with the parents feeling the need to make a quick decision and experiencing grief and loss.

How did the parents feel about the support they received during their ordeal?

The parents felt that the support they received from their family was crucial in helping them through their difficult decision.

What were the parents' thoughts on the political and societal views surrounding their decision?

The parents felt that the political and societal views did not recognize the complexity of their situation and were dismissive of the emotional and mental impact on them.

How did the parents describe the experience of being at the clinic?

The parents described feeling nervous and out of place, especially when they were in a waiting room with women who had unwanted pregnancies, contrasting with their own situation of a desperately wanted pregnancy.

What was the parents' stance on the time frame given to make their decision?

The parents felt extremely rushed with their decision, wishing they had more time to come to terms with what was happening and to seek support or therapy.

How did the parents reconcile their decision with their personal beliefs?

The parents felt confident that they made the right choice for their child, prioritizing the child's well-being and quality of life over their personal beliefs.