A patient came to me for an abortion, and she was one of those who demonstrate why we need abortion beyond cases of rape, incest, and danger to a woman’s life. She had a diagnosis of infertility and was now in her 40s, with two young children after IVF. She and her partner did not use contraception because they considered themselves infertile (I see this often in my practice), and now she was pregnant.

She cares for a relative with advanced cancer and her two children, and she works a full time job. She knew abortion was the right medical and emotional decision for her family. We were both grateful: she for the care and respect she received, and I to be able to help her and her family get through this tough time.