I’m 37 and live in a large rural city and am a single mum with two upper primary school-aged children. I had been dating a man for a few months and using a diaphragm for contraception. I couldn’t use hormonal contraception as it really made me sick. I must have removed the diaphragm too early one day and I realised I was pregnant. I was devastated as the relationship was not long term and he was about to return overseas. Neither of us wanted to have a baby and for the first time in my life, I had to consider my options.


I had done everything right in order to avoid pregnancy but it was really just unlucky. I didn’t want anyone to know as I felt that I would be judged as unable to handle my life or my ex-husband would find out and make things difficult for me. There was no way I was going to tell my GP or visit any clinic.


I googled ‘Medical Termination of Pregnancy’ and was able to find a service online. It was a really good service with counselling and sessions with GP’s over the phone, ultrasound referrals, and blood tests. I received a kit in the mail with instructions and had an appointment on the phone with a nurse the day of the termination. I was able to take a ‘sick’ day and have the termination at home. It meant I didn’t have to risk anyone finding out and the process went fine with no complications. It was expensive but I didn’t mind as it was the best option for me.


This story was a contribution to the Storylines: Her Voice Matters project, a collaboration between Women’s Health Goulburn North East, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and Murray PHN.

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