I’m a provider of reproductive health care, but here is my own story:

My own fetal DNA testing discovered trisonomy 18. This is a chromosomal abnormality that often results in stillbirth or significant anomalies that results in death of the infant. The median lifespan is 5 to 15 days.

I work for a major hospital, but my employee health insurance doesn’t cover abortion. Genetic testing (fetal DNA and CVS), ultrasounds, and High Risk Obstetric consultations were all covered by my insurance, as would any care for a delivered infant. However, once I decided to terminate the pregnancy, I had to pay out of pocket for the procedure. This happened a few years ago. The experience was so painful that I could not speak about it previously, but I want to now, with the hope that I may someday contribute to preventing someone else from having to face this unacceptable situation.