SM's Story

I've had one abortion since I moved to Asheville in 2013. At the time that I needed the procedure, the clinic in Asheville was closed and I needed to travel to Charlotte. I remember wondering at the time how many Asheville area women did not have the time, the means, or the support to be able to travel that far. At the clinic, I endured people speaking to us on loudspeakers, praying for us. Inside, everyone was very kind and calm. I saw all kinds of people in the waiting room including older and first-generation couples. I was able to access a medication abortion which I took home with me, to complete in the safety and comfort of my own space. Everything went exactly as planned and the pregnancy did not continue. Both I and my partner at the time were so thankful to have had access to this medication, particularly since the clinic in Asheville wasn't available. I never thought I would live in a place where abortion access couldn't be taken for granted.