Thread by @InHerIrishShoes

Last year, we shared sad and often traumatic stories of pregnant people taking arduous journies or obtaining illegal pills online in order to secure the termination they so desperately needed. This story is a little different. This is what your Yes did for one woman this year...

...”Last year I went to the booth, and without a second thought I ticked the Yes box. Never for one moment did I ever think that I would need that Yes myself...

I'm in my 40s with 3 very difficult pregnancies behind me and 2 children, one with disabilities. When our contraception failed and I discovered early in the new year that I was pregnant a black cloud fell over me...

...But none of this really matters, Ireland trusted me to make my own decision, regardless of the circumstances, and for that I am forever grateful.

The MyOptions helpline was busy for 3 days before I got through to them. I was starting to think it was a hoax line! But when I did get through the lady on the other end of the phone was amazing.

Within a few minutes I had the contact details of clinics within a half an hour radius. I did not want to go to my own GP and that was no problem.

I called the first number and once I explained that MyOptions had put me in contact with them they offered me an appointment a few hours later and couldn't have been nicer.

The rest of the day went in a daze as I sat in work watching the clock. When the doc called me in I didn't even hear her call my name. Panic was taking over. I had never met this woman before but she was so professional & nonjudgemental it was easy to forget what I was there for.

She explained the process of the 3 day waiting period and then informed me that I had to go for a dating scan. I have to admit this threw me a little. I didn't want a scan, that made it too real, but it was part of the process and I had to do it.

It took four days to get a scan appointment. The specific clinic that you are sent to has underestimated the amount of people attending but they are great when you get there and very understanding. You have the option to look at the screen. I chose not to.

The next day I went back to the doctor and they had received the scan results from the sonographer. I was confirmed as being under 9 weeks pregnant so I took the first tablet in the surgery and given very clear instructions on how to take the rest.

The next day I took the last 2 tablets, along with painkillers and it began. After about 6 hours the bleeding and cramping slowed down.

It was unpleasant and emotional, but knowing there was support if I needed it & having the proper prescribed painkillers & anti inflammatory medication made it manageable.

I can't imagine having to go through that process with pills bought online. I can't imagine having to get on a plane to a foreign country.

To those of you who have had to do that, I am so so sorry. To those of you who voted yes, thank you for making sure no-one else has to do that ever again.

I hope my story helps a little if you are going through something similar. X"

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