At Blue Mountain Clinic we learn a lot from our clients. About a year ago we offered some journals in our after care rooms and encouraged women to share their stories, feelings or fears. What we've found in those journals is inspiring and empowering. Women know that other women will read what they write and that process of sharing has been a healing one for so many of our clients. We'd like to share a few here so you too may see the power of the women we serve.
Letter From Abroad
One woman came to Blue Mountain Clinic from the former Soviet Union because family planning was not even spoken about out loud, let alone abortion in her home country. We were able to give her support during her abortion and a years worth of birth control to take back with her because she would not have been able to obtain any in her own country. In our journal she wrote:
"I feel fortunate that the decision I made is the result of education and access. I am certain that I want to terminate my pregnancy because I am not psychologically, emotionally or financially prepared to have a child at this moment. Today, I have been tring to imagine what it must feel like for a woman that doesn't have the options that I do. It must be terrifying. I am very grateful to the staff at Blue Mountain Clinic for giving women options. I am also thankful for the consideration and kindness for which I have been treated."
The Journey from Abuse to Empowerment
Sometimes the women who walk through the doors of Blue Mountain Clinic have been abused physically and emotionally. This abuse is often at the hands of their partner. We were able to help one such woman pay for her abortion through our access fund. She wrote:
"I know my decision was the right one. I'm surprised that my emotions did not get the best of me. My head, heart and gut all agreed. I feel strong and ready to face the journey ahead of me-I feel so empowered to have been given a choice......"
Women Unite
This entry reminded us all of the women who died trying to end an unwanted pregnancy before abortion was legal in this country. We remember those women and work every day to make sure a woman's right to choose is protected. One woman wrote:
"Changes can come from the power of many, but only when the many come together, to form that which is invincible.....the power of one."