I got an abortion in 2016. At the time, I was in a monogamous relationship and was using a Paragard IUD as my only form of birth control. When I missed my period the first time I thought that maybe it was a side effect of the IUD (in fact, non-hormonal IUDs like mine don’t have this side-effect). Then I missed my period again and took a pregnancy test.

I got an abortion in 2016.

My partner and I were not financially or emotionally ready to be parents; that’s why I had the IUD in the first place.

My partner and I were not financially or emotionally ready to be parents; that’s why I had the IUD in the first place.

A visit with my ob-gyn revealed that my IUD had come mostly out of my uterus and was protruding through my cervix, where it could not function. My ob-gyn (not the one who had installed the IUD) couldn’t say exactly how the device had come out, but explained that one should get the position of an IUD checked a month after installation to make sure it has stayed in the right place. In my state, Connecticut, there are several Planned Parenthood locations, as well as other doctors who are willing to perform the procedure. I was able to schedule an appointment with Planned Parenthood for the next weekend; the office gave clear advice about how to prepare and what to expect.

All of the staff I worked with were kind and professional. The doctor who performed the procedure and the anesthesiologist who prepared me for it were friendly and let me know exactly what to expect. One staff member was there entirely to hold my hand and talk to me as the abortion was performed. The nurses in the recovery room were caring. I was able to leave that day with a hormonal birth control implant. Although I was sad that I needed an abortion, I was grateful to everyone at Planned Parenthood for treating me with compassion. I was also grateful to receive a long lasting and yet more effective form of birth control, as well as some additional education about birth control. Thank you Planned Parenthood!