She said: “I can’t make a decision for you but we’re here for you.”
In this blog, Beth shares her experience getting in touch with MSI UK when she didn’t know if she wanted to continue her pregnancy. She explains how, with the right support in place, she was able to make her choice.
“I didn’t realise there would be so much support available to me.”
When I found out I was pregnant, it was a bit of a surprise, as we weren’t planning to have another child just yet.
Four years ago, when I was pregnant with my son, I had hyperemesis gravidarum (severe vomiting and nausea). The pregnancy was difficult for me mentally and physically. I was sick every hour for two days straight and ended up having to be admitted into hospital because I was so unwell.
“I must’ve spoken to the lady on the phone for about an hour.”
With this pregnancy, I was anxious about experiencing this again. At 6 weeks, I began to feel sick, and it sent me into a spiral. I thought I didn’t want to be pregnant. I spent four days in bed because my anxiety got so bad. My brain was telling me I wasn’t going to be able to cope. I spent the mornings in tears ringing my husband and asking him what he thought I should do. He said he would support me with whatever I decided. One morning, my anxiety got so bad that I researched abortions in the area, and I got an appointment with MSI.
“She talked me through all the steps of an abortion and the options available to me.”
During my consultation, I must have spoken to the lady on the phone for about an hour. I had a really good chat with her. She was brilliant.
I asked if it was normal for me to be feeling this anxious and she reassured me that it was quite common. She talked me through all the steps of an abortion and the options available to me, saying “I can’t make a decision for you but we’re here for you.”
“After talking to her, I knew I wanted to continue with this pregnancy.”
She was so great. After talking to her, I knew I wanted to continue with this pregnancy. It made me realise that it was my mental health that I was struggling with, and I didn’t have enough support for that. After speaking to her, I felt set in my decision.
She was so empathetic and knowledgeable, and she never made me feel judged.
“I could tell everyone I spoke to really cared.”
A week later, somebody from MSI called me to check whether I was okay and if I had managed to get support in place. She asked if it would be useful for her to reach out to my GP to tell them that I’ve struggled in the past and make sure that they’re supporting me through this pregnancy. It was such a kind offer, and I accepted. Shortly after, I saw from the NHS app that she had done this. My GP called and booked an in-person appointment for me. I’m now on anti-sickness medication that seems to be helping me through this pregnancy.
“I didn’t realise there would be so much support available to me – I thought that would only be for people who decided to have an abortion.”
Even though I didn’t choose to have an abortion, I could tell everyone I spoke to really cared. I didn’t realise there would be so much support available to me – I thought that would only be for people who decided to have an abortion. I was really pleasantly surprised.
“A lot of people keep it quiet if they’re considering an abortion.”
No-one really speaks about all the factors that feed into your decision to continue a pregnancy. A lot of people keep it quiet if they’re considering an abortion. I only know one person who has had an abortion, so she was the only person that I discussed this with, apart from my husband. I don’t think people are aware that they can come to MSI, speak through their options and continue with a pregnancy if that’s what they choose is right for them.
“I’m happy with my decision to continue this pregnancy.”
If I hadn’t had that phone consultation with MSI, I would feel unsupported and be unsure about my pregnancy. I feel like I can do this now. The lady who gave my consultation gave me hope and strength. She put my mind in gear. After I spoke to her, I was able to get out of bed and out of the house and I’m happy with my decision to continue this pregnancy.
The choice to continue or end your pregnancy is yours, and yours alone.
This may not be the same decision that a partner, friends or family would make. However, it can be helpful to talk your decision through with a trusted individual.
Abortion providers like MSI UK will always offer impartial, confidential and non-judgemental support, and provide a safe space where you can ask any questions you may have.
Anyone considering abortion can get in touch with us whenever they want, even if they haven’t made a decision and are just looking for more information. GPs or sexual health services can also offer support and advice.
