OS's Story

I moved to Asheville in Winter of 2022, when I was 24. My second day here in this new state and city, I found out I was pregnant, for the first time. I’m from New York, where Abortion Access is much more common. My first thought was, “Oh no, I’m in the South now. I don’t know any of these laws.” I knew immediately what I wanted to do. I called Planned Parenthood and set up an appointment, but it was 4 weeks out. I started a new job, in a new city, by myself, while pregnant. I also utilized a local resource, MAADCo, which put me in touch with an Abortion Doula, who helped tremendously. I had opted for a surgical abortion, and it was painful and lonely. But still the best decision I had made for myself to this day.

The second time it happened was the following fall, in September. I wasn’t being as careful as I should have been. This time around, I knew my body inside and out. I took a test at 4 weeks, and by week 5, I had a medication abortion at home with my close trusted friend guiding and taking care of me. After these experiences, I chose to take an Abortion Doula Training Course, and become one myself. So I can help those that found themselves in similar spaces of life as I was once in.

I am so grateful for the access to care that I had here in Asheville. And I thank the stars and universe every single day that I was privileged enough for that care.